Ontario Teen Receives Diana Award From Princes William And Harry
She was one of 20 youths who were honoured for their "kindness, compassion and service."
Joy D'Souza— HuffPost Canada
When Peterborough, Ont.-native Faith Dickinson was only nine years old she made a blanket for her aunt who was in treatment for stage IV breast cancer. Five years later, she's sent more than 3,500 fleece blankets around the world on behalf of her charity, Cuddles for Cancer.
On Wednesday, the 14-year-old arrived at St. James's Palace in London where she was honoured by the late Princess Diana's sons, Princes William and Harry, with a Diana Award.
Open Image Modal
Dickinson was among 20 youths who were honoured for their "kindness, compassion and service."
"One of my mottoes is 'You're never too young to make a difference,'" Dickinson said after receiving her award. "And I think that this really proves it."
Though Dickinson's organization started out specifically for cancer patients, she has since expanded to provide blankets to soldiers experiencing PTSD.
"Prince William told me that I was just doing such an amazing thing," Dickinson recalled with pride. "And Prince Harry told me that I was the most impressive redhead there tonight."
The Diana Award was established in 1999 in honour of the late Princess of Wales. It is awarded to individuals or groups between the ages nine and 18.
Also on HuffPost
15 Ways William And Harry Keep Diana's Spirit Alive
They Created The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund(01 of15)
Open Image Modal
William and Harry helped lead the Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, which continued her international humanitarian efforts. And when the fund officially closed in 2012, the princes and the Duchess of Cambridge retained legal ownership of the fund. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
They Developed An Award In Her Honour(02 of15)
Open Image Modal
The Diana Award, in memory of Diana, is presented each year to a young person who has invested a huge amount of energy to improve the lives of others. Princes William and Harry often host events for the award, and wrote a foreword in a book celebrating its 15th anniversary last year. (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
They Hosted A Concert In Her Honour(03 of15)
Open Image Modal
On what would have been Diana's 46th birthday, 10 years after her tragic death, Diana's sons hosted a concert in her honour at Wembley Stadium, with performances by Elton John, Lily Allen, Rod Stewart and many others. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Prince Harry Continues To Support AIDS Research(04 of15)
Open Image Modal
Often remembered for her charitable work, Diana's efforts to help victims of AIDS is now carried on by Prince Harry. He co-founded Sentebale, a charity dedicated to supporting victims of poverty and Lesotho's HIV/AIDS epidemic. (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
They Inherited Her Charitable Spirit(05 of15)
Open Image Modal
In 2014, Prince Harry started the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded, sick and injured servicemen and women. Prince William is a royal patron of many charities, including the Tusk Trust, which aims to protect wildlife across South Africa. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Prince William Has Literally Taken Her Job(06 of15)
Open Image Modal
In 2007, Prince William took on the role of President of the Royal Marsden Hospital Trust. Princess Diana previously held this same title from 1989 until her death in 1997. The work consists primarily of visiting the premises and hosting charity events to raise funds for the hospital. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Kate Wears Diana's Engagement Ring(07 of15)
Open Image Modal
When Prince William popped the question to Kate Middleton in 2010, he presented her with the same 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring worn by his late mother. "Obviously, [my mother is] not going to be around to share in any of the fun and excitement of it all, so this is my way of keeping her sort of close to it all," said William at the time. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Will And Kate's Wedding Day Had A Few Nods To The Late Princess(08 of15)
Open Image Modal
Aside from getting married at Westminster Abbey where Diana's funeral was held, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also concluded their wedding ceremony with the same hymn that closed Diana's funeral service — and the Duchess even carried a bouquet that included many of the same flowers as her late mother-in-law's. (credit:WPA Pool via Getty Images)
Prince George's Godmother Is One Of Diana's Dear Friends(09 of15)
Open Image Modal
Julia Samuel, pictured here with Diana, was named one of Prince George's seven godparents in 2013. Diana was godmother to Julia's son Benjamin. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Honouring The Family Trips Together(10 of15)
Open Image Modal
It is believed that Prince William took his first public steps when he was in Australia in 1983 with Prince Charles and Diana. It was all the more fitting that Prince William returned to the country in 2014 with the Duchess and an eight-month-old Prince George for their first family trip together. (credit:Mark Nolan via Getty Images)
They Make Sure Diana Remains Part Of The Conversation(11 of15)
Open Image Modal
The royal brothers are often asked about Diana during interviews and never shy away from expressing how much they miss her and hope she is proud of them. (credit:KGC-178/STAR MAX/IPx)
They Share Her Warmth(12 of15)
Open Image Modal
Both William and Harry seem to have inherited the down-to-earth nature of the "People's Princess," and are often seen fondly interacting with the public at their events. (credit:Pool via Getty Images)
Like Diana, They Have A Way With Kids(13 of15)
Open Image Modal
As a father, William is a natural with kids, but it's Harry who is most often seen palling around with children all over the world. (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
They Share Her Love Of Music And Dance(14 of15)
Open Image Modal
Often seen dancing and having fun, the princes appear to have learned a few moves from their mother, who once worked as a dance instructor. (credit:LEON NEAL via Getty Images)
William Named His Daughter After Her(15 of15)
Open Image Modal
The littlest British Princess, Charlotte Elizabeth Diana Cambridge, gets her middle name from her paternal grandmother. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
-- This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.
If you have questions or concerns,
please check our FAQ or
contact support@huffpost.com.