Thanks to her philanthropic work, Stella McCartney became the youngest ever person to win the prestigious Courage award last week, picking up the gong at the star-studded "Unforgettable Evening" charity gala in Los Angeles.
The 31-year-old fashion designer received the prize for her tireless efforts to raise funds for cancer research. Stella, whose mother Linda McCartney died of breast cancer in 1998, was applauded by a host of show biz stars including Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw.
"I had to lose my mother to realise the effects of this dreadful disease," said Stella. "My mother gave her life so we can learn; learn to cure cancer and prevent it from taking more innocent lives. I'm humbled to receive this award and I accept it for all women around the world who are battling this disease. It is they who have the true courage."
The award, which is given each year by famed retailer Saks Fifth Avenue and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, has previously been awarded to Sir Elton John, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas.
And it wasn't just Stella's altruistic efforts that were commended. Tom Hanks' wife, a McCartney-clad Rita Wilson, was also eager to praise her stylish designs. "Very original, very fresh, and there's always a bit of vintage-inspired feel," said the actress.
Los Angeles' Beverly Wilshire hotel played host to the glittering event, which raised $1.5 million for research into gynaecological and breast cancers.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
