Newton Aycliffe girl awarded military medal for bravery

Eleven-year-old Indy Johnston, from Newton Aycliffe, has been awarded the 'Little Trooper of the Month' medal by the children's charity Little Troopers, for recognising her resilience during a challenging period when her father, a British Army man, was away on duty.

Indy with her Little Troopers medal (Image: PR) Earlier this year, Indy faced a series of health crises that led to three emergency hospital admissions.

She suffered from severe sickness and dehydration, requiring multiple tests and scans before being diagnosed with swollen lymph nodes and a congenital kidney condition causing Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome.

During her latest hospitalization, Indy’s father, a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), was deployed on a military exercise and unable to be by her side.

Despite the difficulties, Indy has made a full recovery and has remained healthy since the summer.

Her mother, Vicky, who nominated Indy for the award, praised her daughter’s courage and strength.

As part of the award, Indy will receive a medal and a £100 gift voucher. Reflecting her generous spirit, Indy plans to share her prize with her family.

Indy said: “I am amazed I’ve won the Little Troopers Award and I will use my prize to treat my brothers and sisters to a day out at the cinema.”

Her mother, Vicky, said: "Indy has always been so resilient. Along with her three siblings, she’s grown up as a military child and moved home eight times in eleven years to various different Army postings across the UK, but she has always taken everything in her stride and seen life as an adventure.

The last few months have been incredibly tough for her, especially because her Dad was away while we were in and out of hospital trying to get a diagnosis, but her courage and ability to stay positive in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.”

Little Troopers is a registered charity supporting children who have parents serving in the British Armed Forces.

Through its resources and initiatives, the charity connects with thousands of military children each year, as well as running special projects such as the Little Troopers All Together deployment club and Little Troopers at School programme.