Last night, Prince Harry attended the WellChild awards, hailing the bravest children of the UK.
The 31-year-old is the charity’s patron, supporting their work with seriously ill children and their families’ ensuring they have the best possible care.
In his suit, Harry attended the event at the Hilton Park Lane, London, to recognise the brave youngsters and thank the staff of nurses, doctors and specialist for helping their patients.
At the pre-awards reception, the Prince met the winners of each award category, including most inspirational child and most caring young person.
One nine-year-old, Nellie-Mae Evans, asked the Royal to make her a balloon animal, at which Harry giggled: “I will try but I can’t make any promises.”
Another girl, Ruby Smallman, dressed as a Princess, handed Harry a handmade pottery penguin, and he seemed touched.
Ruby was awarded the most caring young person award: aged seven, she can help save her 13-year-old sister’s life, by using a suction pump on her tracheotomy (pipe in the throat).
Ruby’s mother said she made a penguin – with ginger hair and medals on its chest – because she ‘knew he had been to the South Pole’.
Harry, still sporting his beard, took another gift from a youngster, – he had the basketball on the condition that when he is old and in a wheelchair, the young wheelchair basketball player will play him and beat him.
At the actual awards ceremony, the uncle-of-two said:
“This is my eighth WellChild Awards now and every year, without fail, I am humbled by the people and children I meet. You guys are awesome.
“The stories we have heard tonight are moving beyond words. They remind us of the utter insignificance of our everyday worries.
“Yet, one of the things that always stands out is the positivity shown by those in the most difficult and testing circumstances.
“It is heartening to hear so many stories of happiness and hope, even through the dark times.
“And that is why we are all here this evening; to show our admiration for all the Award winners and to honour their strength of human spirit. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to recognise you all.
“Sadly, many stories we have heard this evening highlight the challenges that many families all over the UK are confronting each day. The greatest challenge for families with seriously ill children is often ensuring they have access to the best possible care and support.
“It is easy to take it for granted that the necessary support is always available.
“But in many cases that would simply not be the case without WellChild, especially the incredible team of WellChild Children’s nurses who provide life-changing assistance for so many families.
“We literally have the bravest children in the UK in this room.”
