DUKE & DUCHESS OF SUSSEX MET WITH THE YOUNG WINNERS OF THE 2018 WELLCHILD AWARDS.{PHOTOS}.

- September 05, 2018

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Every one of you is truly amazing. You have shown all of us what it means to be a champion – whether for yourself, your family, your community, or someone in need. - The Duke of Sussex

This evening, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met young winners of the 2018 WellChild Awards, which celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of the country’s seriously ill young people and the dedication of those who go the extra mile to keep children healthy and happy. The Duke of Sussex has been Patron of WellChild - the national charity for sick children and their families, since 2007.

#WellChildAwards winner Matilda, aged seven –Matilda has Spina Bifida and is paralysed from the chest down, she spent her early years in hospital and has had brain surgery seven times among more than 40 operations. Despite all this Matilda has a great zest for life and impresses everyone that she meets with her great courage, strength and determination. When she grows up her dream is to become a nurse.

#WellChildAwards winner Cameron, aged 16 – Cameron was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. He spent most of his first three years in hospital. He was not expected to live long but is a born fighter. He is now a junior political editor for a magazine and has been to both the Scottish and English Parliament to interview politicians.

#WellChildAwards Winner Evie, aged 16 – Evie was born with spina bifida, requiring spinal surgery which left her with a number of serious health issues. Evie regularly presents to local children about hidden disabilities, and mentors young people with health problems to encourage them to get on in life. Her motto is ‘find a way, not an excuse’, and she puts it into practice constantly.

#WellChildAwards Winner Jake, aged 12 – who has spinal muscular atrophy and is a wheelchair user. Jake loves acting and being on stage. He has had small TV parts and despite years of being told he couldn’t audition for theatre roles because of his disability, he didn’t give up and landed the lead role in Tom Fletcher’s The Christmasaurus last December.

#WellChildAwards winner Mckenzie, aged 4 – Mckenzie spent three months in intensive care aged two following a virus, which left him paralysed. He has since had to learn to speak, swallow, eat, drink and move again. Mckenzie is there for other children when they are scared or sad, and has helped the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh with their fundraisingefforts.

#WellChildAwards Winner Scarlett, aged 10 – Scarlett cares for her older sister Freya, who is severely disabled. She helps with everything from using her feed pump and operating Freya's bed and hoist to helping her parents give medicine.

#WellChildAwards Winner Chloe, aged 10 – Chloe was born 10 weeks early and has cerebral palsy which left her unable to walk. Though she cannot stand or walk unaided, in 2014 Chloe became the first disabled child in the country to pass her pre-primary ballet award with the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance.

#WellChildAwards Winner Jacob, aged 17 – Jacob cares for his sister Melissa, who has Angelman syndrome, which leaves her in need of 24 hour care. Since he was young he has spent time with her and has taught her to achieve goals most doctors said she would never reach. His determination and patience have resulted in Melissa learning first to crawl and then walk. Jacob also helps her with her physio and taking her medication.

#WellChildAwards Winner Jamie, aged 10 – Jamie has a complex range of conditions including CIPO which severely affects his intestines. He is a wheelchair and walker user, has impaired sight and hearing and is tube fed. Jamie has made astounding progress at his new school, and last year completed the Parallel London 1K Super Sensory Run in his walker.

#WellChildAwards Winner Poppy, aged 13 – Poppy has Panenteric Crohns Disease, and suffers from acute inflammation throughout her digestive tract.Despite tiredness and nausea she works hard at school and participates in many clubs such as the writers and illustrators club, debate society and drama club and she is even learning Latin.