" Hi Everybody, isn't this amazing... seeing so many special people here to support me and my Charity . Firstly I would like to apologize about my voice, it's been weak and croaky since my last operation , but I will do my best to finish my speech as I think it's very important to thank you all personally.

Today is very special , we have a chance to raise money to support AVM research in the UK for people like me , because we all deserve a chance to have a happy, healthy life, free from the clouds and rainy days that living with an AVM can Bring.

I am not perfect, none of us are, that's what makes us unique. But when we look at magazines with air brushed faces this makes us feel that if we do not look perfect we are not special. This is wrong .
Every day when i walk out of the door people stare at me , is it because i'm drop dead gorgeous ?................
No,.... sadly it's because the face I have now is the not face i had as a 6 year old when I never had a care in the world . My AVM has taken that away from me.

One day i was out shopping and i noticed a little girl pulling at her mummy's trousers and pointing at me... sadly this happens a lot, but this time I just looked at her and smiled, then for some reason I approached her and said hello ! .
then we had a little chat , not about anything special but when we said goodbye to each other , the little girl turned away and smiled . After we spoke she never saw my scars she just saw a normal girl .

So please if you see anybody who looks special , please do not just stare, go and say hello or give them a smile .

I believe that if you try hard enough you can achieve your dreams.

When we met last year my youtube channel had just over one thousand subscribers, now I have nearly thirteen thousand !

I have friends around the world. I try to give them an insight into my life and try in my own way to show them that beauty is on the inside .

Despite my AVM, I believe that every day can be special. When you have an illness without a cure it makes you realise that you cannot plan for next week, next month or next year.
I have in the last 5 years survived challenges that no child deserves and suffered a lifetime of pain...But I will never let my AVM defeat me.

That's why all of you special people by being here today have helped to make a change to my life and every AVM sufferer around the world. You have helped us on our journey to be AVM free.
I would also like to say a special thank you to Keith & Liz for helping and looking after me at school .

I am only 11 but I believe that kindness and a smile can change the world of the people around you .

Imagine what we could all do together .

My name is Nikki Christou

I will never give up my fight

Keep on smiling

Thank you for making a little girl feel 10 feet tall " xx