Pride of Birmingham 2023: Stephen Sutton Inspiration Eva Abley

Young comic Eva Abley impressed the Britain’s Got Talent judges with her quick wit, determination and contagious energy - attributes she also uses to inspire others and raise money for charity.
The 14-year-old from Cannock, Staffs, has cerebral palsy and has been supported by the team at Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital throughout her life. She has always loved comedy, and developed her own stand-up routine, making it to the finals of Britain’s Got Talent with a series of hilarious sets challenging stereotypes around what it means to be a young person with a disability and celebrating difference.
Eva, who suffered bullying at school, told the ITV audience: “I’d like to apologise if you can’t understand me, I have a disability called cerebral palsy, and I’m from the Black Country! So if you can’t hear, wait until you get home and re-watch it with the subtitles on.” When she’s not on stage making people laugh, she gives up her time to raise money for others, including the children’s hospital where she has spent so much time.
Last November she organised and performed at a ball in Wolverhampton, raising £15,000, with donations still coming in and more events planned for 2023. Miranda Williams from Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “She’s such a remarkable and inspiring girl. Not only for everything she’s overcome and her outlook on life, but for shining a light on our hospital and the amazing work that happens here. Add to that the wonderful fundraising she’s now doing to support other patients - what an absolute superstar! We’re so grateful.”