Prince Harry issues nationwide call to find the UK’s “most courageous” children as 2026 WellChild Awards open for nominations
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex has called on the British public to nominate the country’s "unsung heroes" as the search begins for the winners of the 2026 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex has called on the British public to nominate the country’s “unsung heroes” as the search begins for the winners of the 2026 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK.
In a newly released video message, Prince Harry, who has been patron of the national charity for seriously ill children for 18 years, described the awards as a “magical” celebration of children who face complex medical needs with “extraordinary joy.”
The annual WellChild awards seek to shine a light on the resilience of children living with serious health challenges, as well as the tireless dedication of the families, siblings and healthcare professionals who care for them. With more than 100,000 children across the UK living with long-term, complex conditions, the charity is urging people in every corner of the country to ensure these “superstars” receive the national recognition they so often deserve.
Speaking about his personal connection to the event, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, said: “Every year, one of the moments I look forward to the most is spending time with the incredible children and families that I meet through the WellChild Awards. These children and young people are living with complex medical needs, challenges that most of us can barely imagine. And yet time and again they meet life with positivity, courage, humour and an extraordinary joy for living. In their smiles, their determination and their kindness, they show us what strength truly looks like.”
The Duke underlined the importance of the awards, saying:
"The WellChild Awards is a truly special evening. It’s about celebrating these remarkable young people. It’s about recognising the siblings who so often put their own needs aside to care for a brother or sister. And of course it’s about honouring the parents, the carers, the nurses and professionals who give so much of themselves every single day with dedication, love and compassion.
Continuing with a direct plea to the public, the Duke said: “But these awards can only happen with your help. So, if you know a child who’s learned hospital routines before playground games, a sibling who quietly became a carer or a parent or professional whose life revolves around constant selfless care, please nominate them for a WellChild Award. They might be a friend in a different part of the United Kingdom, or a stranger you see in your community every single week. We want to hear about them.
The Duke added: “By nominating, you’re not just recognising an achievement, you’re telling a story. You’re shining a light on extraordinary bravery, on resilience and kindness that’s happening in communities across the United Kingdom every day – often unseen and too often uncelebrated. So thank you. Thank you for supporting WellChild, and please get nominating. We very much hope to see some of you at the 2026 WellChild awards.”
The 2025 awards saw national headlines made by winners such as seven-year-old Esmée, an “absolute warrior” who underwent 35 surgeries, and ten-year-old Gwen, an aspiring wheelchair racer living with spina bifida. The awards also recognise the wider support network, including devoted young carers and healthcare workers who provide a “constant presence” for families juggling complex care needs with everyday life.
Matt James, WellChild Chief Executive, commented:
The WellChild Awards are our chance to turn the spotlight on the incredible spirit of the UK’s seriously ill children. We know there are many unsung heroes out there, from the children themselves to the professionals and families who support them. We want to hear those stories. A nomination can make a world of difference to these individuals, providing a moment of well-deserved celebration in the midst of daily challenges.
The awards culminate in a star-studded ceremony in London, which has historically been attended by many of the charity’s celebrity supporters, including the likes of Rod Stewart, Molly-Mae Hague, Jamie Laing, Ronnie Wood and Gaby Roslin to name a few from recent years. Nominations are open in several categories, including:
- Inspirational Child or Young Person: Aged 4-18, showing incredible courage or assisting
others despite their health challenges. - Inspirational Parent/Carer: An individual going the extra mile to care for a child with
complex needs. - Inspirational Health Professional: A member of the healthcare team who has made a
truly exceptional difference to a family’s life.
The closing date for nominations is 16th March 2026. To nominate a child, young person, or professional, please visit: www.wellchild.org.uk/awards
