UK

The most caring child in the UK

Courageous Charley Holmes has won a prestigious award for caring for her sister Katy who lost her fight against an inoperable brain tumour.

Charley, eight, of Margaret Road, Penwortham, has been named ‘Most Caring Child’ in the national 2012 WellChild Awards, of which Prince Harry is a patron.

She will now attend a ceremony in London and will rub shoulders with celebrities and pop stars.

Charley, who also has a baby sister Scarlet, was devastated when her 10-year-old big sister Katy was suddenly diagnosed with a brain tumour last October.

When doctors told the family Katy’s prognosis was terminal, parents Paula and David made the heartbreaking decision to hide the truth from Katy as they did not want her to be frightened of dying and they assured her she would get better.

At the age of eight, not only did Charley keep the terrible secret, she also had to put on a brave face in front of Katy.

While Katy was ill, the family rallied round to fight for a cure and Charley insisted on helping out with all of Katy’s needs and her family say her cheerfulness, love and attention made a massive difference before Katy’s death in January.

Mum Paula said: “Charley has been fantastic. She managed to keep the awful secret that Katy’s condition was terminal, constantly making plans with her about what they would do when Katy got better.

“She has been incredibly brave as she has lost her best friend and rock with Katy’s passing.

“The whole family is so grateful to Charley for helping us all through this difficult time and we are delighted that she is being recognised with this award.

“Charley has seen things and experienced things that no child her age should have to and she thoroughly deserves this award.”

Charley will receive her award at the eighth Annual WellChild Awards ceremony on September 3 at the InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel.

She said: “I am very happy and excited about it and I hope I meet some celebrities.”

The star studded awards ceremony has previously been attended by the likes of Prince Harry, Rod Stewart, footballer Jermain Defoe, pop singer Pixie Lott, actress Barbara Windsor, band Scouting for Girls and Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne.

WellChild is the national charity for sick children and is committed to ensuring children get the best care.

News item
18 August 3012

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/local/the-most-caring-child-in-the-uk-1-4845481