Woman's Own Children of Courage Awards 2008
Karen Livermore, editor of Woman's Own magazine announces a final call for entries to this year's Woman's Own Children of Courage Awards, honouring children who have shown outstanding bravery and courage in difficult circumstances over the past year.
The star-studded awards ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 10th December followed by a special reception at the House of Lords.
Woman's Own Children of Courage Awards, now in its 35th year, is one of the longest-running award ceremonies dedicated specifically to recognising the achievements of children. Since 1973 more than 300 exceptional children who have shown heroism, endured pain, suffering and disability, or devoted their young lives to caring for a family in need, have been celebrated at the December event.
Last year, Dre Curtis from Torrington was one of the children to be honoured as a Child of Courage at a star-studded award ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Dre suffered horrific injuries in a road accident just four days before Christmas 2006 and his parents were warned that he was unlikely to survive. Dre proved the doctors wrong and began the long road to recovery.
Nathaniel Smith was another winner. In May 2006, he suffered burns to 60% of his body after being caught in a blaze which destroyed the family home. His injuries were so horrific his parents were warned there was a very real possibility that he wouldn't survive. Just two days after the fire, Nathaniel underwent the first of many skin grafts to help repair his badly burned face and body. He spent the next four months in hospital having further reconstructive surgery, and was finally allowed home in the October. He has to go to hospital every week to have his dressings changed and knows he faces a lifetime of further surgery.
Woman's Own is now looking for inspirational children like Dre and Nathaniel for its 2008 awards.
The awards have eight categories; Outstanding Bravery, Sheer Courage, Young Fundraiser, Young Carer, A True Inspiration, Local Hero, Unsung Hero, and Outstanding Achievement.
The categories are open for youngsters aged between five and 15. The closing date for entries is 30th September 2008. Details of how to enter are available in Woman's Own magazine.
Karen Livermore, editor of Woman's Own, said: “This is one of the country's most heart-warming events and through the years it's been a real privilege for the Woman's Own team to meet these children and their families and to be joined in honouring these youngsters by many guests from the worlds of television, music and sport. We're now taking entries for the 2008 awards, so if your child or a child you know shows kindness or bravery, this is your chance to nominate them so that they can get the recognition they truly deserve.”
To download an application form, click here
