Essex boy wins national award with film thanking NHS for saving his life
A 7-year-old boy from Chelmsford who suffered six cardiac arrests has won a People’s Choice Award at the National Charity Film Awards, for his film which thanked the NHS for saving his life.
The film, produced by Healthwatch Essex, captured the moment that Joshua Newman was reunited with the cardiac consultant who kept him alive when he was born very prematurely, with significant heart complications, at Broomfield Hospital.
As part of a competition to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS, Joshua spoke about his healthcare hero, Dr Babu. The pair had an emotional reunion on camera as part of Josh’s heartfelt thank you to the NHS.
Last night (April 21), Joshua, his mum Suzy, Dr Babu and the Healthwatch Essex team gathered online for the virtual awards ceremony. The short film, which was captured entirely on phone cameras and with no budget, received more public votes than any other film in its category, beating off competition from large national campaigns and charities, to win The People’s Choice Award.
Naturally, Joshua was elated at his big win.
Joshua's mum Suzy said she was also ecstatic and incredibly thankful to the voters and the NHS.
You can view the film here:
https://charityfilmawards.com/videos/joshua-his-healthwatch-hero