'Where there's water, there's a child with a dream': Ellie Simmonds shares her life through water in powerful new film

Launched today (Tuesday, January 7), the touching WaterAid film features some never-seen-before footage of Ellie as a young girl, from learning to swim and playing in the water to her career-defining moments as a Paralympian gold medallist.

The film forms part of WaterAid's 'Where there's water' winter appeal, which highlights the positive changes that clean water brings with the aim of raising money for vital resources. 

The former Paralympian has been a WaterAir ambassador for over a decade, joining after seeing the devastating impact of dirty water on people's lives during her trip to Uganda. 

In the video, Ellie, who was born in Aldridge, Walsall, narrates: "Where there's water, there's a dream, possibility, hope, and a path ahead. Where there's water, there's powerful change, confidence, and progress. 

"Where's there's water, there's spirit, passion and triumph over adversity. Where there's water, there's joy, love pride and life. Where there's water, there's a way."

Across the world, nearly 702 million people - that's 1 in 10 people - do not have clean water. 

In Chinganji, Malawi, 15-year-old, Merifa's life changed for good when she got clean water close to her home. Now she has more time to study and join her beloved choir. 

Merifa said: "Because we know that the water is near our home, we can go draw water and still have enough time to make our samosas and also go for choir practice. 

"Our grades have improved too because we’re spending most of our time studying instead of going to draw water."

Jennie York, Executive Director of Communications and Fundraising at WaterAid, highlighted that it's 'easy for us to get clean water' but that our lives would be 'very different' without access to basic human rights. 

She said: "Ellie’s story and the memories she’s so kindly shared with us highlight the amazing things that can be achieved when there’s clean water. Families can protect their health, children can focus on school and hobbies, communities can thrive, and dreams can come true.

“It’s easy for us to take clean water for granted when we have it readily available on tap at home. Our lives would be very different without access to this basic human right, but that’s the reality facing one in ten people around the world.

“We’re so grateful to Ellie for highlighting the power of water through her eyes while supporting our ‘Where there’s water’ winter appeal to raise money to change more lives with clean water."

For more information on WaterAid and their lifesaving campaign, visit the group's website.