Sophia was fitted with a cochlear implant at seven months old and says she “has never known what it was like not to be able to hear”.

Now 10, she is chasing her dreams in both dance and gymnastics.

She told an audience of MPs during her passionate presentation at Auditory Verbal UK’s Power of Speech event in 2016: “I think everyone should have fun and do what they want to do and a cochlear implant shouldn’t stand in their way.”

Her mum, Becky, said: "In April and May 2018 she was invited to compete as part of the Elite Development Pathway in gymnastics which is the road to British selection.

"In December, we learnt she had been accepted into the British Foundation Tumbling Squad. This is exceptional for any 10-year-old, let alone one with cochlear implants. We are all so proud and Sophia was so excited when she found out that she cried.

"Sophia was interviewed on BBC Radio Guernsey about her success.

Sophia talked to an audience of MP's and professionals at AVUK's Power of Speech event in 2016:

"We recently travelled to Jersey where she competed in a Channel Island dance competition. She was rewarded with 2 firsts, 3 seconds and a trophy for the most promising junior dancer. I was so proud and her musicality was spot on. In her last set of dance exams she got 10/10 for her musicality and timing (it’s always the first section I check).

"As a family we are truly grateful for all Auditory Verbal UK did to help Sophia and I’m sure she wouldn’t be on this path if it wasn’t for all your hard work and dedication alongside your belief that these children should not be limited."

- Becky, Sophia's mum.