WellChild Awards 2017: Nominations open to honour inspirational children and young people with serious illnesses
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?
Nominations have opened for the 2017 WellChild Awards, which recognises such inspirational qualities and achievements.
Among last year's winners was Emily Wright from Redlynch in Wiltshire.
When she was eight-years-old, Emily was diagnosed with cancer, leaving her with no vision in her left eye and only tunnel vision up to half a metre in her right eye.
But she hasn't let her disability stop her from living an active life.
Emily's many hobbies include water skiing, sailing, football, playing the saxophone and volunteering at her local guide unit.
Get involved
There are six categories open for nominations for this year's awards.
A doctor working with children and young people who goes the extra mile for the children and young people in their care.
Inspirational Child or Young Person
A child or young person between the ages of four and 18 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 child between the ages of four and 18 who devotes much of their time and energy freely and lovingly 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 Doctor
A doctor working with children and young people who goes the extra mile for the children and young people 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.
What are WellChild looking for in nominations?
Organiser Matt James told ITV News: "We're looking for children and young people who have really defied the odds in terms of the challenges that they face.
"Some of the children and young people who have been previous winners have faced some really serious health problems and yet they haven't let those health problems hold them back from achieving their hopes and dreams."
How to nominate
Entries for the 2017 WellChild Awards will be judged by an expert panel including children’s health researchers, former winners and health professionals.
Awards will be handed out at an event in London in Autumn 2017.
Submit your nomination here.