Inspirational children, families and carers honoured at 20th Anniversary WellChild Awards, attended by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
The 20th Anniversary WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, took place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on Monday 8th September, celebrating the inspirational achievements of seriously ill children and those who care for them.
The 20th Anniversary WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, took place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on Monday 8th September, celebrating the inspirational achievements of seriously ill children and those who care for them.
These Awards are run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children. They shine a light on the remarkable resilience and heroic qualities of children and young people living with complex medical needs and honour the dedication of those around them who go the extra mile to help these children thrive.
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, who has been patron of WellChild for 17 years attended the ceremony for the fifteenth occasion and spent time with each of the winners and their families at a pre-ceremony reception, listening to their stories and creating unforgettable memories. Over the years he has played an important role in assisting WellChild to raise both awareness and vital funds, including personal commitments himself, to help families get the care they need.
During the ceremony, Prince Harry presented the Award for Inspirational Child (aged 4-6) to six-year-old Esmée McGlinchey from Stoke-on-Trent who brings smiles wherever she goes despite facing daily medical challenges and having already undergone an incredible 35 surgeries in her short life. He then gave a speech in which he said:
For two decades, this event has shone a bright spotlight on the needs of children and young people living with complex medical conditions. But more than that, it has celebrated something far bigger - your courage, your resilience, and the extraordinary love of the families and carers who never stop showing up.
“I still remember my very first WellChild Awards, eighteen years ago. I walked into the room, and within about three minutes I realised two things: the love and energy in the room was palpable, so too was the unpredictability! And second, that I was completely hooked on it all. This night has been a highlight of my year ever since and it’s all because of you guys – these children, this cause, and our WellChild community.”
Since those early days, 311 WellChild Award winners have inspired us with their bravery. Today, a 53-strong team of WellChild Nurses are out there making an enormous difference. Add to that a community of more than 3,600 families, plus support programmes reaching even further, and you see the real impact of what has been built here.
“More than ever, WellChild’s mission must be our shared priority. Tonight, I’d ask each of you to think about how you can play your part, whether through support, awareness, or action, to help advance this crucial work”
This year’s winners included:
- Inspirational Young Person Award winner, 17-year-old Declan Bitmead from Surrey who defied the odds to survive a life-threatening reaction to routine treatment, showing extraordinary resilience and raising more than £25,000 for charity.
- Special Recognition Award winner, 13-year-old Grace Tutt from Kent, honoured for her extraordinary courage in rebuilding her life after a serious road accident.
- Nurse Award winner, Helen Tooby from West Yorkshire, recognised for combining clinical excellence with genuine empathy in her role as a WellChild Nurse.
The event brought together children, families, healthcare professionals, celebrity supporters and WellChild partners for a night of celebration and recognition. Among the star-studded guests were Molly-Mae Hague, Ronnie Wood, Jamie Laing and Peter Andre with the cast of Hercules the musical and Joss Stone providing entertainment. The evening was hosted by WellChild ambassador Gaby Roslin.
WellChild Chief Executive, Matt James, said:
“The 20th Anniversary of the WellChild Awards has been an incredible opportunity to shine a light on the courage, determination and spirit of children living with complex health needs, and the commitment of the people who support them. Behind every winner’s story is a network of extraordinary individuals who go above and beyond every single day.”
Now in its milestone year, the WellChild Awards continue to highlight the challenges faced by more than 100,000 children and young people in the UK living with serious health needs, while celebrating their achievements and those of the families, carers and professionals who stand alongside them, enabling them to thrive at home and in their communities.
