National children’s charity, WellChild, has opened nominations for the 2014 WellChild Awards, supported by GSK. This prestigious annual event celebrates the inspirational qualities of the country’s seriously ill children and the dedication of the people who go that extra mile to make a real difference to their lives.
Last year’s event saw ten-year-old Nikki Christou, of Enfield, who has an arterio-venous malformation which leads to high risk bleeding around the face, attending the star-studded Awards ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London’s Park Lane where she had the chance to chat with many of the invited celebrities and supporters of WellChild including Royal Patron, Prince Harry.
Nikki, who has shown exceptional courage in the way she remains calm and tries to make things better for those around her, including the doctors and nurses, even when dealing with traumatic symptoms and procedures, was picked from 100’s of nominations from across the UK to win the category of Inspirational Child in these Awards.
Nikki ‘s condition has caused malformation of her face, loss of sight in one eye, constant treatments and repeated emergency hospital admissions to stem violent bleeding, including over Christmas last year. Nikki has also had to give up many of her favourite activities such as dancing and sport but she never complains instead focusing her attention on fundraising to help research into this incurable condition. Nikki has already raised £70,000.
WellChild is calling on people in the Enfield area to put forward their 2014 nominations in all categories for the Awards, an event which can make a real impact on the morale of the winners, their families and others who provide care and support.
Nikki’s mother, Tanya, said:
“It was a fantastic experience for Nikki and the whole family which really gave us all a boost”
If you know someone who deserves special recognition then nominate them for the WellChild Awards by visiting www.wellchild.org.uk or contacting the charity on 0845 458 8171 to request a nomination form. The closing date for all entries is May 2014.
In addition to the inspiring and caring child categories, WellChild would also like to hear about people who have made a real difference to seriously ill children by caring above and beyond the call of duty, or have worked extra hard to keep children healthy and happy – including outstanding health, social care or education professionals.
There are more children than ever before in the UK suffering from a chronic or long-term illness, and the WellChild Awards is a great opportunity to honour all those people battling with childhood sickness or complex conditions.
The 2013 Awards ceremony was a fantastic event which saw children and professionals from across the country being awarded for their exceptional bravery and care. Guests to the event included Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster-Stewart, Pixie Lott, Karen Brady, Duncan Bannatyne, Tim Vine, Konnie Huq, Chris Hollins and many more. Hosts were Vernon Kay and Tess Daly. ITV Daybreak presented their WellChild Health hero award the show’s presenters Aled Jones and Kate Garraway were on hand to congratulate the winner.
WellChild’s Patron Prince Harry was also in attendance to personally congratulate all of the deserving winners and their families.
Prince Harry said at the 2013 Awards ceremony: “I am hugely humbled to be Patron of WellChild and I count myself incredibly lucky to be Patron as well as to come down here this evening.
“It’s a privilege for me to be able to see all these stories on what’s once again a fantastic year for WellChild.”
Entries for the 2014 Awards will be judged by an expert panel including children’s health researchers, former winners and health professionals. Awards will be handed out at a glamorous event at The Dorchester in London in September.
Categories for Nominations are as follows:
Inspirational Child or Young Person – A child or young person between the ages of three and eighteen who has kept smiling against all odds in coping with or overcoming serious illness, and who deserves to be celebrated for their extraordinary courage.
Most Caring Child or Young Person – A special child between the ages of three and eighteen who devotes much of their time and energy freely and lovingly to care for a friend or sibling who is sick.
Doctor – A doctor working with children and young people, who has a real talent and commitment to helping them feel better.
Nurse – A nurse working with children and young people goes the extra mile for the children in their care.
Health Team – A team of doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals, in a hospital, clinic or doctor’s surgery, who work together to make a huge difference to the lives of sick children.
For further information about WellChild’s work, please see www.wellchild.org.uk