University student Amy Zahra, who has had her fingers and legs amputated after she contracted meningitis, has been awarded the Premju Żagħżugħ tas-Sena 2007 organised by the Kerygma Movement.

The presentation ceremony was held yesterday at the Kerygma cultural centre in Rabat.

After being treated for her condition, Ms Zahra put together an organisation called Amy's Friends to lobby for more accessibility at the University and to raise funds for students who find themselves in similar circumstances.

The University Students' Council appointed her as representative on the special needs committee, which deals with problems affecting people with disability on campus.

She also holds talks with young people and hospital patients, egging them on not to give up in spite of facing tough challenges.

The other finalists for the award were Nicholas Borg of Sta Venera and Michael Mifsud of Għarb.

The award is held in memory of Rudolph Saliba who was the first president of the Kerygma Movement.

The trophy was presented to Ms Zahra by Paul Saliba, Dr Saliba's father.