For those achieving against the odds

There’s still time to nominate a youngster with true grit for a Wards Children’s Award. This annual showpiece pays tribute to courageous children plus their families and the charities that support them.

No child should have to experience illness or disability.

And no youngster should be living a life peppered with hospital appointments, operations, physiotherapy or other medical treatment.

But every year in Kent there are youngsters attempting to get on with the day-to-day whilst facing these battles and struggles – and we want to know about every single one of them.

The Ward & Partners Children’s Awards, supported by the KM Group and Kent Community Foundation, celebrates these lionhearted children each year.

Among the seven categories in this year’s awards scheme is one called Triumph Over Adversity, which celebrates children with severe disabilities and illnesses who are working to overcome them.

This category is open to everyone – babies through to teenagers up to the age of 16 – and we are relying on you as our readers to nominate someone.

There are three age categories, under fives, ages six to 11 and ages 12 to 16 to enable us to recognise and celebrate as many children as possible.

These children could be your friends, relatives, in your school, sports club or live in your street.

But if they are achieving despite all the odds then they are deserving of a nomination.

And that could not be more easy.

Simply fill out the form on this page and send it off or enter someone online at www. kentonline.co.uk/lifestyle/ competitions/ward-awards

Nominated families will be invited to a gala lunch event in October at a top Kent hotel, where entertainment, fun and games alongside the award ceremony, will provide some welcome respite and happy memories for them and their families.

Later this year, Sky TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins, centre in red, will once again be hosting annual award ceremony