Chestnut nurse receives national WellChild Award from The Duke of Sussex

The Awards, which were hosted by Gaby Roslin, 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.

Hannah, a ventilation nurse specialist, was named a winner of one of the professional category awards after being picked from hundreds of nominations across the UK. Hannah was nominated by Laura McLoughlin, mother to Lennon who was cared for by Chestnut Tree House and nursed by Hannah.

This year’s winners include Ruky Anighoro, a teenager from Thamesmead who has a form of brittle bone disease and is entirely adult dependent and received his special recognition award for his positivity and resilience after being nominated by his mother; Poppy Higham, a six year old from Runcorn who was awarded for the care she provides to her older sister Paige who has complex health needs and Hayley Cassin who won the Inspirational 12-14 year old award for pushing through her adversities and promoting wellbeing via her wheelchair rugby and basketball achievements.

The other professional category award winners included Dr Richard Chavasse, a Paediatric Respiratory Consultant at St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation who has spearheaded significant developments in the service;  Nell Cockell, a chaplain from Rugby who works across Warwickshire with children and families who have complex and life-limiting illnesses; Lucinda Andrews from Chatham, a tireless campaigner for children who, like her two-year-old son Leo, have the severe and unpredictable neurodegenerative disorder, TBCD and Kelvin Donaghy, a carer from Bodmin, who has set up and runs an inclusive social club for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex has been WellChild Patron for 15 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.

In a speech at the ceremony The Duke of Sussex said: “For the years I’ve been Patron of WellChild, I’ve always been amazed by the care and kindness this organisation lives and breathes. I’ve spoken with countless families who have shared such gratitude for the comprehensive, around-the-clock support they’ve received from WellChild’s family network. I’ve been struck by the immense power that comes from connecting families with others who understand and truly see them – and how WellChild has become an emotional support and information lifeline for many during the pandemic and beyond. The fact this network has since grown to more than 3,000 families is nothing short of remarkable.”

The event, which was also attended by celebrities Tom Felton, Sophie-Ellis Bextor, Danny Jones and was hosted by Gaby Roslin.

WellChild Chief Executive, Matt James said: “The number of children and young people in the UK living with long-term, complex medical needs is growing. The WellChild Awards 2023, in association with GSK, is a unique opportunity to shine a light on the immense challenges they face and to celebrate their remarkable resilience and spirit. It also provides an opportunity to recognise the selfless dedication of those around them, from siblings and parent carers to the professionals who have gone above and beyond to give them the very best chance to thrive.”