Little Trooper of the Month

Isobel Johnson has been awarded ‘Little Trooper of the Month’ for overcoming adversity and showing bravery and determination in the face of several lifelong health conditions.

Isobel suffers from Cerebral Palsy, Scoliosis and Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a condition that causes severe clubfoot, limits the movement in her joints and means that both of her legs are permanently dislocated. She requires a wheelchair to move around, has to wear ankle foot braces all the time and needs to do physiotherapy several times a day to keep her joints moving. In the last nine years, she has undergone seven operations on her feet and spent many months in casts.

Last year, Isobel was struggling to come to terms with her disability and went through a low period where she became depressed about not being able to walk and keep up with her peers.

Encouraged by her friends and family, she made the decision to not let her disability hold her back. She had already taken up Korean martial arts in 2020, and achieved a brown belt in Kuk Sool Won in June this year. She also signed up to a talent agency and has done several modelling jobs for the likes of Poundland, Aldi and Lego. She now hopes to become a famous actress when she grows up.

Isobel has also made the brave decision not to go ahead with surgery to help her to walk when she is older;  the operation would be painful and complicated and she would need further surgery later in life. This was a very difficult decision to make because it affects her whole life.

Isobel’s Dad, Bradley, who nominated her for the award, explains: “We are so proud of Isobel for how she has dealt with everything life has thrown at her. Since taking up modelling, acting and martial arts, Isobel has grown in confidence. She is very bubbly, and always wears a smile. Despite her limited mobility, she is very active and she has learnt ways that she can move around easily.”

“She is really proud of her military connection, so when I saw that Little Troopers ran an award-scheme for military children, I decided to put her forward. She is over the moon to have won and it has given her a real boost.”

Isobel said “ I was very happy to hear that I had been awarded ‘Little Trooper of the Month’. I feel very honoured to receive this award, despite many others who are having difficulties.”

Isobel will receive a medal, certificate and a £50 cinema voucher from Little Troopers and she’s planning to take her sister and brother, Grace and Jack, to see ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’.

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, said: “Our Little Trooper of the Month scheme is all about recognising children who have been through exceptional circumstances, so when we read Isobel’s nomination she was our clear winner this month. We loved hearing about her sheer determination in the face of adversity and her positive outlook for the future. We can’t wait to spot her on our TV screens and we wish her the best of luck with her acting career.”

This month’s Little Trooper of the Month Award is kindly sponsored by Baxter Storey.

BaxterStorey is the UK’s biggest independent foodservice provider of bespoke hospitality services through restaurants, café bars, deli operations and executive dining rooms for a wide range of customers. http://www.baxterstorey.com/