INSPIRATIONAL and courageous children across the region have been honoured during a recent ceremony that shone a light on their bravery and battles with rare conditions and life-changing illnesses.
On Friday, November 26, the Bravehearts award was hosted from the studios of 3 Point Media in Darlington – which rewarded 21 of the region’s most deserving and inspirational children from County Durham, Cumbria, North Yorkshire and the North East.
Many of the children are considered too vulnerable for the traditional, face to face ceremony at St James' Park, so the decision to host the awards digitally was made, like last year.
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Each child had been nominated for their award from locations right across the North East and Cumbria from either parents, consultants or health specialists.
As part of the Bravehearts, each child received a much-treasured Brave Hearts crystal plinth, and a gift of their choice, in recognition of the inspirational courage and strength they have shown in battling illness or adversity, either from birth or in their early years of life.
In the aftermath of the Braveheart awards, The Northern Echo has spoken to some of the families of those that won awards last Friday.
Thirteen-year-old, Bethany Lewis, from Middleton St George, was one of the recipients of an award after undergoing complicated open-heart surgery throughout her life at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Bethany was just ten days old when she was operated on for the first time. Since then, she has undergone six more heart surgeries, which has seen varying levels of success.
During her most recent surgery, complications with infection and testing positive for Covid-19, the 13-year-old spent time in intensive care.
Despite multiple complicated challenges, she has demonstrated a sheer determination to get up and get on with life.
According to her mum, Nicola Lewis, her motivation to succeed is the thought of her pony and her determination that she will get back in the saddle again after enjoying horse riding in her younger years.
Mrs Lewis said: “I’m immensely proud of Bethany’s determination to be nominated and her strength to carry on. To say she’s missed so much of her young life, she never complains and just gets on with it.
“Her school life has been impacted too – she goes to Polam Hall in Darlington, and, so far, her school has been amazing with her.
“The thing that drives her on is getting back on her horse, and she’s determined to do that soon. While she’s had many barriers, that’s her constant motivator.”
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Another recipient of a Braveheart award last Friday was 14-year-old Cody Lockey, from Darlington.
Cody was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in July 2020 and has undergone a comprehensive treatment plan to combat the illness ever since.
Over the course of his treatment, the teenager has dealt with this in an extremely mature and courageous way, accepting the treatments that he needed.
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Following the treatment, Cody was worried about returning to school after a long time off because of the impact the treatments had had on his appearance.
But he has shown tremendous courage to face up to these fears and go back be proud to be himself, despite what anyone else might think or say.
Cody’s mum, Lisa Skippen, has described her son as a “caring young man with fantastic qualities”.
Alongside Bethany and Cody at the Bravehearts, Jude Grayson, ten, from Spennymoor, picked up an inspirational accolade for the way he’s handled several treatments for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, which initially caused several complications and side effects culminating in pancreatitis and a cardiac arrest.
Despite these complications and numerous repeat infections, his family have said that Jude rarely complains about his condition and has highlighted his love of attending Ox Close Primary School in Spennymoor.
His mum, Kerry Grayson, has spoken about Jude’s journey through Leukaemia, which saw him diagnosed at the age of just seven, and hopes that he can continue to inspire and motivate others in the future.
She said: “When he was first diagnosed, there were several mobility issues. This absolutely destroyed him because he was a very sporty lad, wanting to play football.
“He always keeps going and never lets anything get him down. He takes it in his stride and accepts what the doctors say to him, even if it’s bad news.”
In recent times, Jude’s health has improved, and in 2019, he was able to become a mascot for his beloved Newcastle United and walk out at St James’ Park.
As the online award ceremony wrapped up last Friday, one of the final recipients of a Braveheart award was 12-year-old Ava Holt from Northallerton.
Over the last year, Ava has had many medical challenges, including the diagnosis of a Endolymphatic Sac Tumour for which she had surgery which has caused her some hearing problems.
Although she has been through a tough time medically, her family and friends have told The Northern Echo that she “just gets up and gets on with it”.
Despite her condition, Ava has ambitions of becoming an actress when she’s older, with her mum, Sarah Holt, believing that her daughter can achieve her dream.
Currently, Ava attends Northallerton High School, and is well on her way to achieving her dream after being involved with the drama department at her school.
Her mum, Sarah, said: “Ava is pleasantly shy, funny, but brave and confident. She’s my little inspiration and there’s never a day that goes by that she doesn’t inspire people.
“I don’t know how she adapts to everything that comes her way, she’s incredibly open minded and positive, even when things aren’t going her way.”
At the end of the ceremony, Jim Knight, Brave Hearts trustee, thanked all the parents and children for their motivation and inspiration, especially during the pandemic.
Capping off the Bravehearts awards, he said: “Our Bravehearts award ceremony is always a highlight of the year. Getting to meet these inspirational children - and hearing how they daily battle through adversity and tremendously challenging situations- and all with a smile - and a spirit- which is so inspirational for everyone around them.
“We feel honoured to be able to recognise their spirit and bravery - and for all the families that love and support them. In these uncertain COVID times - we all need a lift and some inspiration- and our Bravehearts award winners this year will certainly do that.”
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