News

Remarkable children and adults from across the UK receive national WellChild Award from The Duke of Sussex.

Winners received their awards on September 30th at a star-studded ceremony in London, where each winner spent time with WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex.

By Charlotte Edwards · October 3, 2024

Remarkable children and health professionals from across the UK have been named as winners in the prestigious national 2024 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK. They received their awards on September 30th at a star-studded ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, where each winner and their families spent time with WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex at a pre-ceremony reception.

The Awards are run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children. They celebrate the inspirational qualities of children and young people living with serious illnesses or complex medical needs and honour the dedication of those around them who go the extra mile to keep these children healthy and happy.

This year’s winners include six-year-old Noah Nicholson from Grimsby who, despite battling serious medical conditions like cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease, inspires others with courage and kindness; Scarlett Cripps,10, from Basingstoke who faces daily challenges with severe pain, fatigue and limited mobility whilst remaining positive and focusing on cheering up children; and

12-year-old Anya from Matlock, Derbyshire, who is a tremendous support to her mum in caring for her 15-year-old brother Edward, who was born with a chromosomal disorder, is developmentally delayed and severely short-sighted.

Adult and professional category awards include parent carer, Angela Turner from Shanklin, who has campaigned tirelessly to improve care for children like her daughter, Chelsea, who sadly lost her battle with complex medical conditions last year at the age of 11; and Cardiff’s Rhian Greenslade, who, in 30 years as the WellChild Discharge Liaison Nurse for Children with Complex Health Needs, has played a crucial role in helping children transition from hospital to home where her compassion, unwavering support and guidance has won the respect and gratitude of colleagues and families alike.

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex has been WellChild Patron for 16 years and has provided invaluable help – equally in raising awareness and financial contributions – to ensure the charity can pursue its mission to improve the quality of life for seriously ill children and their families. This is the 13th time he has attended the WellChild Awards where he spent time with each winner and their families at a pre-ceremony reception, listening to their stories and helping create lifelong memories. He then attended the ceremony and presented the Award for Inspirational Child (aged 4-6) to Noah.

In a speech at the ceremony Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex said:

“Congratulations to tonight’s award winners. Thank you for your courage, your perseverance, your kindness, and of course your humour. Thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you.”

“This evening, we come together not only to celebrate that remarkable resilience and spirit, but also to recognise and thank the unsung heroes. The superhero parents, carers, siblings and professionals who work tirelessly and selflessly to ensure these young people have the best lives possible. You are all incredible, and your love and dedication are nothing short of heroic.”

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex

“As more and more children grow up living with complex conditions and disabilities, it is vital that we advance WellChild’s important work. There are still thousands of young people and families out there who need our help, and together, we can and will make a difference.”

The event, which was also attended by celebrities including Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, KSI and Oti Mabuse with performances from Beverley Knight MBE and Pixie Lott and was hosted by Gaby Roslin.

WellChild Chief Executive, Matt James commented: “Across the UK, an increasing number of children and young people are living with long-term, complex medical needs. Alongside their families, they navigate extraordinary challenges each day. Through the WellChild Awards 2024, in association with GSK, we aim to highlight the immense difficulties they face and to celebrate their remarkable resilience and spirit. This event also offers an opportunity to honour the selfless dedication of those who support them – whether it be siblings, parent carers or professionals who have gone above and beyond to give these children the best possible chance to thrive.”