A TEENAGER has joined Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex and a national children’s charity in the call for people from the West Midlands to enter this year’s WellChild Awards.
Last year Ansel Hayward, who is deaf, autistic and lives with a rare disease and severe epilepsy, inspire the nation with his bravery and dream of opening his own animal sanctuary.
Despite his health challenges the 14-year-old is a familiar face in local fundraising campaigns, helping to support the hospitals that care for him.
As a WellChild Awards winner, Ansel got to meet and spend time with the Duke of Sussex, who described him as an “extraordinary young man”.
He said: “Ansel’s strength and resilience are remarkable, but what stands out most is his compassion and thoughtfulness towards everyone around him. He brings so much joy to others, and it was a real pleasure to recognise that with a WellChild Award last year.”
Commenting on his win, Ansel said: “I love my award because I can show people I’m an important person for being brave and medical.”
His Mum, Claire, added: “For us as parents, it was the most incredible opportunity to celebrate Ansel’s life and his personality in such a positive way. We all have many painful and traumatic memories, but Ansel’s award gave us a night filled with joy and excitement, which we will never, ever forget.”
With the support of Ansel and the Duke of Sussex, WellChild is calling on people from the West Midlands to put forward nominations to ensure their community “superstars” receive the national recognition they deserve.
Categories include Inspirational Child or Young Person aged four to 18, who has shown incredible courage or assisted others despite their own health challenges, Inspirational Parent/Carer and Inspirational Health Professional.
In association with GSK, the prestigious annual event celebrates the inspirational qualities of some of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, and the dedication of those who go that extra mile to care for them.
Alongside the Duke of Sussex’s patronage, WellChild enjoys a wealth of celebrity support, with Molly-Mae, Jaime Laing, Ronnie Wood and Gaby Roslin just some of the personalities to champion the charity last year.
The awards culminate in a star-studded ceremony in London where winners from across the UK can meet celebrity guests and share their stories.
Anyone who knows a child, young person or professional in the West Midlands who deserves to be celebrated, can fill out a nomination form here.
The closing date is March 15.
