WellChild Awards 2016: Nominations open to honour inspirational children and young people with serious illnesses

Prince Harry pictured with Nellie-Mai Evans at last year's award ceremony.

Do you know a seriously ill child or young person who against the odds shows tremendous courage or someone who goes that extra mile to help them?

If so, why not nominate them for a 2016 WellChild award to celebrate their inspirational qualities and achievements.

Last year, Nellie-Mai Evans won most inspirational child, aged 7-10, at an awards ceremony held in London.

The nine-year-old was born with a heart condition that meant she needed a heart transplant at just 11-months-old. Since then, she has battled cancer, suffered several strokes and also has epilepsy.

ITV News' Charlotte Grant met Nellie-Mai and her father and accompanied them to the youngster's favourite place, a bridge, where she likes to throw stones.

Nellie said visiting the bridge helps "making myself better".

Describing his daughter's recovery after a series of setbacks, Jeff Evans said: "She's a long way behind where she should be but she's alive and we're just grateful that she's here."

Get involved

Prince Harry and the winners of the 2015 WellChild Awards. Credit: Flickr/WellChild

There are six categories open for nominations for this year's Awards.

  • Inspirational Child or Young Person: A child or young person between the ages of four and eighteen who has kept smiling against all odds in coping with or overcoming serious illness.

  • Most Caring Child or Young Person: A child between the ages of three and eighteen who devotes much of their time and energy to care for a friend or sibling who is sick.

  • Inspirational Nurse: A nurse working with children and young people who goes the extra mile for the children in their care.

  • Inspirational 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 seriously ill children.

  • Outstanding Professional Award: Any professional e.g. a physiotherapist, doctor, social worker, who has worked above and beyond for children and young people in their care.

Jamie Clark (right) was honoured at the 2015 awards for his role caring for his older brother Liam who was severely injured in a motorbike accident, Credit: ITV News

If you want to nominate someonego to WellChild website or you can request a nomination form from the charity on 01242 530 007.