Remarkable Jody from Sheffield is an inspiration winning national WellChild Award

In association with GSK, having been nominated by her mother Amy, and headed to London to collect her award on September 30th. The Awards were run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children, and celebrate the resilience of children with complex medical needs and the dedication of those who go the extra mile to care for them.

Jody has been picked from 100’s of nominations across the UK to win the Inspirational Sibling Award. She plays a vital role in caring for her two siblings who
both have very different and complex needs. From an early age Jody has helped her mother, who also has a disability, with everything from changing nappies to managing feeding pumps and assisting with physiotherapy.

Jody also helps her mother by handling a lot of the heavy lifting and deliveries of the never-ending medical supplies, stock checking and putting everything away. She
loves playing with her siblings and shopping with her mother and is key to keeping spirits high within the family. Jody is known for her kindness and her desire to helps
others. She even decided to learn basic life support to help her family. Jody never complains and willingly sacrifices her own time with friends. In addition to her responsibilities at home, Jody finds time and energy to volunteer at a local animal sanctuary every weekend, where she enjoys riding horses, and hopes to pursue a
career in conservation. Despite her hectic life, Jody has recently completed her GCSEs and obtained fantastic results. She is also fundraising for a charity trip to Kenya to support local communities there. Jody’s family are deeply proud of her selflessness and dedication and thrilled that she is receiving well-deserved recognition for her incredible contributions to their family and beyond.

Jody’s mother, Amy, nominated her for a WellChild Award to recognise the impact she has continues to have on their family. Amy said:

“Jody gives everything that she has to others, and I am thrilled that she is receiving some recognition for all that she does. She is so selfless and never expects any thanks, but I’m so pleased that we can celebrate her and focus on her on this occasion. I want her to know that I see her and appreciate her more than she will ever know. Winning this WellChild Award will help her realise how special she is.”

Last year’s WellChild Awards event saw children, young people, doctor, nurses and other professionals who work with seriously ill children attend a star-studded
Awards event at the Hurlingham Club in London where they had the chance to chat with many of the celebrity guests and WellChild supporters including Tom Felton, Sophie-Ellis Bextor, Danny Jones and host Gaby Roslin. The winners also met WellChild’s patron, Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex in a private reception.

WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex said: “I am once again honoured to attend this year’s WellChild Awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs. These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all. It is a true privilege to recognise such extraordinary individuals.”

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, will be a unique opportunity to recognise the immense challenges they have faced and to celebrate their remarkable positivity, resilience and spirit, which is an inspiration to us all. It will also help us to shine a light on the 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 in life.”

About WellChild
WellChild is the national charity for seriously ill children and their families. More than 100,000 children and young people are living across the UK with serious health needs. Many spend months, even years in hospital simply because there is no support enabling them to leave. Meanwhile those who are at home face inconsistent and inadequate levels of support.

Through a UK-wide network of children’s nurses; home and garden transformation projects; and family information and support services, WellChild exists to give this growing population of children and young people the best chance to thrive – properly supported at home, together with their families.
www.wellchild.org.uk