A MODEL from Belfast who lost her leg to cancer has won an award for inspiring children facing illness.
Bernadette Hagans received the Diana Award, the highest praise young people can achieve for commitment to humanitarian work, social justice and social action.
The 25-year-old, who had to have her leg amputated to stop a rare cancer from spreading, said she wanted to "use my journey and experiences to be there to support other people going through something similar".
Ms Hagans was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, an aggressive cancer of the soft tissue in 2018.
Defying medical expectations, she learned to walk with her prosthetic and was discharged from hospital within 10 days.

Her social media channels have become a platform for empowerment and hope to other young people.
Her willingness to share her experiences and pride in her prosthetic led to her involvement with several charities, including Cancer Fund for Children, who nominated her for the Diana Award.
It was set up as a lasting legacy to Princess Diana’s belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better.
"All I have wanted to do is try to use my journey and experiences to be there to support other people going through something similar and it is crazy that people would go out of their way to give me this award because I never would have expected it," she said.
"I am really loving getting to support Cancer Fund for Children and the families they help. I am really lucky and again just so grateful to be receiving this award."
Ms Hagans, a finalist in this year’s Miss Northern Ireland contest and the first with a disability or difference - recently supported Samuel Sheppard (11) from Enniskillen.
He was diagnosed with cancer last year and required an amputation.
Ms Hagans has introduced Samuel to others in a similar situation and arranged for him to have his prosthetic personalised.
His mum Avril said: "Bernadette more than deserves this award as an inspiring young person.
"She has overcome such personal adversity in her life and is a true inspiration.
"Bernadette wears her story with beauty and pride, and this has inspired my son. She is a true inspiration to all who cross her path."
Helen Patterson from Cancer Fund for Children said: "Bernadette embodies what the Diana Award is all about. She is a warm, positive and an enormously resilient young woman.
"Her ability to connect with people and her desire to help others stems from how genuine she is."