A chronically ill six-year-old girl has triumphed at the Pauline Quirk Academy Film Festival! Tayah McAllister from Warrington was well enough to attend the prestigious red carpet event and scooped an award for short film, The Show Must Go On, alongside her team at the Pauline Quirk Academy of Performing Arts.
Six-year-old Tayah has spent her life battling a serious lung disease, facing challenges that would overwhelm even the bravest adults. Regular hospital stays at Warrington and Alder Hey, daily medication, and the need for oxygen to stabilise her condition have become part of her routine.
Her illness means she tires easily, struggles to catch her breath and is prone to catching infections. Some days are good, and others can take a sudden turn, leading to urgent hospitalisation. As a result, she is often off school and has never completed a full academic year.
But despite these immense obstacles, Tayah refuses to let her condition define her. One of her greatest joys is attending the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) for drama, where she trains alongside her siblings, Talia and Carter-Lee. The trio share a passion for performing and producing — a passion that has now led them to an extraordinary achievement.
Together, the three siblings were part of the team that produced The Show Must Go On, a short film that captured the hearts of audiences and judges alike. Their hard work and dedication were rewarded on Sunday 16th November, when they attended the Pauline Quirk Academy Film Festival in Sheffield. In an unforgettable moment, the film was announced as a winner.
Tayah’s mother, Rebecca, said: “It’s been an ongoing battle but Tayah is so brave! Finally seeing her experience things that other children her age do is a moment we’ll never take for granted, it’s a reminder of her strength and how far she’s come. We’re so proud of her and of all three of them for this amazing achievement!”
For Tayah, the award is far more than a trophy — it is a symbol of strength, determination, and her refusal to let illness dim her light. Her journey has been filled with setbacks and struggles, but she continues to shine on stage and screen with unwavering courage.
Tayah’s achievement is a testament to her fighting spirit, the support of her family and the power of creativity to uplift and inspire. And as she and her siblings celebrate this incredible milestone, one thing is clear: the show truly must go on — and so will Tayah’s remarkable story.
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