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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Calls for Nominations to Celebrate Courageous Children with Complex Medical Needs

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is urging the public to nominate in the 2025 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK.

By Charlotte Edwards · January 28, 2025

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is urging the public to nominate inspirational children and young people with complex medical needs as well as the outstanding individuals who support and care for them for recognition at this year’s WellChild Awards. Speaking in a video message released today by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children, of which he is patron, the Duke of Sussex encourages people “to nominate the exceptional people who inspire you.”

The WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, is a prestigious annual event which celebrates the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people and the dedication of those who go that extra mile to make a real difference to their lives.

Last year’s event saw children, young people, parent carers, nurses and other professionals who work with seriously ill children attend a star-studded Awards event at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Here they had the chance to chat with many of the celebrity guests and WellChild supporters as well as Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who has been patron of the charity for more than 15 years.

WellChild is now calling on people to put forward their nominations for the 2025 WellChild Awards.

In the video message, which can be found at www.wellchild.org.uk/awards, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex said: “The WellChild Awards recognise and celebrate the growing number of young people with complex medical conditions from across the United Kingdom, as well as those who go the extra mile to care for them. They allow us to shine a spotlight on the remarkable stories of strength, resilience and courage that they demonstrate every single day. And this year is especially significant as we celebrate the 20th WellChild Awards.

It is a true privilege to honour the bravery and compassion of this incredible community. And to make this happen, we need your help to nominate the exceptional people who inspire you every single day. Your support can make all the difference. Please join us in recognising the amazing individuals who will be honored at the 2025 WellChild Awards!

WellChild Patron Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

Guests at the 2024 Awards, in association with global healthcare company GSK, included Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex alongside celebrities such as KSI, Oti Mabuse, Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Kate Garraway, Beverly Knight, Pixie Lott, Gaby Roslin who presented the event, and many more.

WellChild Chief Executive, Matt James said: “This year marks the 20th WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, a milestone that highlights more than two decades of celebrating the extraordinary resilience of children and young people in the UK living with long-term, complex medical needs. As the number of those facing such challenges continues to grow, the 2025 WellChild Awards provide a unique platform to raise awareness of the immense challenges they face and honour their remarkable spirit. They also shine a spotlight on the unwavering dedication of those who support them – from siblings and parent carers to the professionals who go above and beyond to help these remarkable children and young people to thrive.”

WellChild is asking people to consider if they know someone who deserves special recognition, and to nominate them for a WellChild Award by visiting its website at www.wellchild.org.uk/awards.

The closing date for entries is Sunday 9th of March.

There are more children and young people than ever before in the UK living with complex medical needs. The WellChild Awards is a unique opportunity to honour the spirit of these children, young people and the dedication of those that care for them.

Entries for the 2025 Awards will be judged by an expert panel including former winners and child health professionals. Awards will be handed out at this year’s glamorous event in London in 2025.

Categories for nominations are as follows:

Inspirational Child or Young Person – A child or young person between the ages of four and eighteen who has demonstrated exceptional resilience, determination, and achievement while facing significant challenges posed by complex medical needs. This includes but is not limited to instances where the nominee has overcome obstacles, surpassed expectations, or exhibited extraordinary courage and perseverance in their pursuits, thereby serving as an inspiration to others.

Inspirational Sibling – Having a child with a long-term complex medical condition can have a huge impact on the whole family; this category is for those siblings between the ages of six and eighteen who despite all the challenges have thrived – this is their time to shine.

Nurse – A children’s nurse who goes the extra mile for children and young people living with complex medical needs.

Outstanding Professional – A professional who has worked above and beyond for children and young people living with complex medical needs.

Inspirational Parent Carer – A parent carer who has gone above and beyond the care they provide for their child(ren) living with complex medical needs and/or has contributed to improving support for families, or awareness of the challenges they face.