Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Honouring the truly inspirational
The inspirational stories of some of Kent’s bravest children brought tears to people’s eyes at the annual Ward and Partners Children’s Awards. There was a Halloween theme at this year’s event, which took place at Maidstone’s Great Danes hotel on Friday.
ITV newsreader Amanda Piper hosted the awards, replacing regular Charlotte Hawkins whose duties with BBC’S Strictly prevented her from attending.
Marli the Magician helped entertain the guests but it was the county’s inspirational youngsters and charities who were the real stars.
Those recognised at the awards were as follows:
Triumph Over Adversity: Sophia-rose Denison Sophia-rose, from Bekesbourne, near Canterbury, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia just before her fourth birthday. She underwent more than two years of treatment, involving constant injections, daily medication and blood tests during which time she was unable to attend school. She maintained a sense of humour throughout, making the nurses laugh and joining in a pamper evening. January 7, 2018, will mark the end of her first year free of cancer. Toby Pullan Toby, eight, from Birchington, has high functioning autism, which was only diagnosed 18 months ago. He struggled with life and found mainstream school hard. He moved and now attends Heath Farm school in Charing, where he was named Achiever of the Year last Christmas. He has started playing football and is the class rep for the school council. Caitlin Kydd Caitlin, 15, from Hawkinge, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer aged just seven. She has undergone years of treatment, including a replacement thigh bone and upper arm, involving 11 operations and 58 blood transfusions. She has not let this hold her back and has completed a Duke of Edinburgh Award, volunteers at the Newington Steam Museum, and performed at the Albert Hall in the Rays of Sunshine Choir. Caitlin passed the Kent Test and attends Folkestone Girls school, where she is studying hard to be a doctor. Rebecca Bailey From the age of three Rebecca, has suffered from severe psoriasis, with patches covering her entire body. Throughout all of this Rebecca, from Broadstairs, has been volunteering with Riding for the Disabled and has attended a theatre group for able and disabled people. She has learned sign language and now hopes to attend college and eventually work with disadvantaged people.
Outstanding Charity: Aiden Goodwin Foundation, Bexleyheath Terry and Michelle Goodwin were blessed with three children but their middle child, Aiden, was diagnosed with a rare aggressive tumour to his left kidney in 2012 aged only 11. Aiden began drug trials, and although this gave him more time, he sadly died in November 2013. When Aiden was still alive, he and his parents spoke of wanting to start a charity to help others. This charity became known as the Aiden Goodwin Foundation, which aims to enhance the life and bring happiness to children who have cancer and other life limiting/threatening conditions. Terry and Michelle have worked hard to raise funds and were able to purchase a plot at a caravan park in Hastings to be used by families in similar situations. ASD Ashford ASD Ashford has supported more than 500 families who have autistic children in Ashford and surrounding areas. They now have offices, run drop-ins, chit chat and craft groups and fundraising events. They have run autism awareness and behaviour training sessions for 2,000 people and have their own allotment.
Exceptional Carer: Amy Furrents Amy, 15, from Higham, has been a carer for as long as she can remember. She was taught at the age of three to use the phone in case her mum became ill. She became even more of a star when her parents separated. She ensures mum has her medication on time, cooks meals and ensures she is comfortable. Amy has also had a knee injury in 2015 and had to have surgery but was still thinking of mum. During all of this she has worked hard at school and is now a senior student at Thames View school in Gravesend. Brandon Bishop Brandon, 13, from Longfield is the youngest of three children and his two older brothers have challenging mental health and medical needs. Brandon has been a tower of strength, despite suffering himself from conditions including severe dyslexia. Brandon assists with personal hygiene routines for both brothers, who are aged 17 and 26. They suffer from conditions including cyclical vomiting syndrome, profound deaf- ness and severe autism. Brandon’s family say he is a truly inspirational carer, who even finds time to make Sunday lunch for them all. Isabelle Davison Isabelle’s mother had a car accident in April 2016,and later suffered an epileptic seizure in front of her. Isabelle, seven, from Herne Bay, thought quickly. She knew she couldn’t get out of the front door so she ran to the back of the house and opened the patio doors, ran to the bottom of the garden, running frantically down the wooded pathway at the rear of the house, raising the alarm and finding a neighbour. The neighbour was able to take charge in a dangerous situation until the ambulance arrived.
Going for Gold: Emma Stone Emma, 15, from West Malling has been battling with Frieberg’s disease whilst developing martial arts skills. She has been training for 10 years at Lordswood Karate club despite spending most of her days in pain and on crutches. Emma trains for up to five days a week despite her condition, and has recently become a 3rd Dan Black Belt and a part-qualified instructor. She wants to compete in the Olympics and is working towards the 2024 games in Paris. Emma, who attends the Malling School, has also started iceskating and has already won one competition.
Courageous Family: The Holmes Mum Cheryl and daughters, Ashleigh, 15, Deborah,13 and Rachel, 11 from East Malling are worthy winners of a courageous family award. In 2014, Deborah, a talented dancer and gymnast, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. After undergoing treatment, she was told in 2015 she had gone into remission. The family’s good news was short lived – months later dad, Anthony Holmes, was diagnosed with a cancer so aggressive it took his life within six weeks. The family were left devastated but under the guidance of Cheryl, the girls rallied and tried to continue their lives as normal as possible. But then they received further devastating news as Deborah’s cancer returned. Over the past 18 months she has continued to receive further intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The Ratcliffes Kyle and Gary, from Minster, have opened their arms and hearts to four very special children, three of whom require full time care and support; one with a life-limiting condition. Their positivity and passion for the futures of their children has helped them to overcome great adversity. Their understanding of the need to be a family resulted in them keeping Isobella, who is autistic and has a diagnosis of Downs Syndrome, with her sister Phoebe, who is not diagnosed with any special needs, therefore adopting both girls together. Curtis has a long list of medical diagnoses, is non-verbal, wheelchair dependent and requires round the clock care. He has been diagnosed with a life limiting condition. Their eldest son, Haydn, is also wheelchair dependent, and has cerebral palsy.
Young Fundraiser: Izabella King Izabella’s grandad was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2013 and Izzy was massively affected by the huge changes. Watching his decline made her want to do something about it. She researched various charities herself and found the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. Izabella, from Snodland, contacted them and came up with the idea of a charity walk. Using the power of social media she smashed her £500 target within 24 hours, and was delighted when her grandad was able to take part in the walk himself!