A TEENAGER who lost her hands to meningitis as a baby is carving out a new career as a television news presenter.

Fourteen-year-old Tilly Lockey will be a reporter on FYI: For Your Information, a current affairs show for children on Sky.

She will have the chance to interview top celebrities and politicians including the Prime Minister, and report on the big issues affecting young people across the UK and the world.

Tilly, from Blackhill, Consett, said: “FYI is the only news show in the world where kids and teens get to have a say on the big issues and put those in power on the spot.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to report on the things I care about most, climate change, equal rights, racism and of course I hope I can inspire others kids with a disability that everything is possible.”

The Northern Echo:

Tilly has been signed by Fresh Start Media, which produces the weekly show and has been commissioned to do another 48 episodes.

She suffered Meningococcal Septicaemia B when she was 15 months old and had to have her hands and the tips of her toes amputated.

She was the first British child to use 3-D printed bionic arms, and has since travelled the world to promote the technological breakthrough for Open Bionics.

Tilly, who has three sisters, plays the piano and has won many awards in recognition of the inspirational way she has dealt with her disability.

 

Regarding Tilly’s new role, the show recently tweeted: “We met her when we reported on her amazing bionic arms and love her so much she is now joining the gang to help us investigate the big issues on the news for and by kids.”

The programme was created by former BBC Newsround presenter and award-winning journalist, Chris Rogers and Nicky Cox MBE, founder and editor of the weekly newspaper for children First News.

The weekly news show, broadcast on Sky News, Sky Kids,and Sky One during the holidays, will now head into its third year.

It’s also available free to schools via First News Education and other online school resource websites.

The Northern Echo:

The programme’s executive producer Chris Rogers says “FYI’s success proves children are hungry for news but they need somewhere to go where they feel understood and safe, FYI provides that, and a platform where children get a voice.”