Last year’s WellChild Award winner Ruky Anighoro from London has joined national children’s charity, WellChild, in the call for nominations for the 2024 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK. This prestigious annual event celebrates the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people and the dedication of those who go that extra mile to make a real difference to their lives.
Last year’s event saw Ruky from Thamesmead attending a star-studded Awards event at the Hurlingham Club in London where he had the chance to chat with many of the celebrity guests and WellChild supporters as well as WellChild’s patron, Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex.
Ruky was picked from 100s of nominations from across the UK to win the Special Recognition Awards category. Ruky has undergone many surgeries and has suffered from numerous fractures and pains due to his condition. A recent major surgery to correct his scoliosis was followed by a difficult recovery, leaving Ruky in braces. His condition means that he has to take frequent time away from school and away from his friends until it’s safe for him to return.
Although he is physically fragile, he has developed into a chatty, fun loving and witty young man and has been recognised at school for his hard work, particularly that he stays behind at school three days a week to catch up at homework club. Ruky is a budding musician and has even released a single titled ‘Watch Me Now’ which was released on his 14th birthday and is dedicated to everyone with his condition.
WellChild is now calling on people in the region to put forward their nominations for the 2024 WellChild Awards.
Ruky said, “Winning the award has been great. It was exciting to meet Prince Harry. It has also allowed me to visit my favourite football club and players – Chelsea Football Club”. Ruky’s Mum, Ufuoma, who attended the awards with him said, “Ruky has experienced many unforgettable moments since winning the WellChild Award. I’m pleased to see him truly happy after so many moments of pain due to his condition.”
Guests at the 2023 Awards, in association with global healthcare company GSK, included Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex who is the charity’s patron alongside celebrities such as McFly’s Danny Jones, Emma Willis, Catherine Ryan, Tom Felton, TV presenters Dick and Dom, Gaby Roslin who presented the event and many more.
WellChild Chief Executive, Matt James said: “The number of children and young people in the UK living with long-term, complex medical needs is growing. The WellChild Awards 2024, in association with GSK, is a unique opportunity to shine a light on the immense challenges they face and to celebrate their remarkable resilience and spirit. It also provides an opportunity to recognise the selfless dedication of those around them, from siblings and parent carers to the professionals who have gone above and beyond to give them the very best chance to thrive.”
If you know someone who deserves special recognition then nominate them for a WellChild Award by visiting our website at www.wellchild.org.uk/awards.
The closing date for entries is Friday 8th of March.
There are more children and young people than ever before in the UK living with serious health needs. The WellChild Awards is a unique opportunity to honour the spirit of these children, young people and the dedication of those that care for them.
Entries for the 2024 Awards will be judged by an expert panel including former winners and child health professionals. Awards will be handed out at this year’s glamorous event in London in 2024.
Categories for nominations are as follows:
· Inspirational Child or Young Person – A child or young person between the ages of four and eighteen who has kept smiling and defied the odds despite living with a long-term serious health condition.
· Inspiration Sibling – A child or young person between the ages of six and eighteen who devotes much of their time and energy freely and lovingly to help and care for a friend or sibling who is living with a serious health condition.
· Nurse – A children’s nurse who goes the extra mile for children and young people with serious health needs.
· Outstanding Professional Award – A professional who has worked above and beyond for children and young people living with serious health needs.
· Parent Carer A parent carer who has gone above and beyond the care they provide for their child(ren) living with serious health needs and/or has contributed to improving support for families, or awareness of the challenges they face.
