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Prince Harry attends the WellChild Awards as Patron

31st August 2011

Prince Harry held the hand of a severely disabled child as he talked to her little sister about winning an award for being one of Britain's most caring children at the WellChild awards this evening.

His Royal Highness spoke to Daisy Moore, six, her mother Katie, and older sister Molly, eight, about how Daisy has cared for her older sister since she suffered a brain haemorrhage and a stroke two years ago.

Molly uses a wheelchair and is unable to speak or swallow, and cannot move most of her body.
But Daisy has stepped in to help, singing her sister songs and arranging a rota for friends to visit since she became ill.

Now Daisy's efforts have earned her the prize for most caring child, which was awarded at the WellChild awards in central London tonight.

The sisters wore matching pink dresses and tiaras at a drinks reception with The Prince before the ceremony.

Katie Moore said Prince Harry told her that her children were "beautiful".

She said: "Daisy didn't really say much, I think she was too nervous.

"But we talked about how the big sister, little sister roles had changed around, and how it was unusual and how inspirational Daisy is. He was great," she added of Harry.

The Prince is a patron of WellChild, which is dedicated to meeting the needs of severely sick children and their families.

The UK-based charity has a team of specialist nurses who care for chronically sick children at home, allowing them to leave hospital. It has invested more than £20 million in children's health research projects.

Before the start of the awards ceremony, attended by pop star Pixie Lott, actress Barbara Windsor and Dancing on Ice star Laura Hamilton, Prince Harry met all the prize winners, including six-year-old quadruple amputee Harley Lane who won the prize for "best brave child" in his age group.

All four of Harley’s limbs were amputated to save his life after he contracted meningitis and then septicaemia when he was four and having his limbs amputated to save his life.

He was able to shake The Prince's hand using a prosthetic arm and hand, one of the four new limbs Harley is adapting to using.

His father Adam said: "He asked Harley what football team he supported and talked about how inspirational he is.

"It was probably more exciting for us but Harley was very excited to meet a Royal."

Harley said "it was very fun" to meet The Prince, who presented him with his award at the ceremony at the Intercontinental hotel in Park Lane.

Prince Harry met all the winners, including other sick children as well as doctors, nurses and health professionals who look after youngsters with serious conditions.

Sarah Crawshaw nominated her colleague Julie Bayliss, of Great Ormond Street hospital, who picked up the award for best nurse.

"It's great to see the nursing staff behind all this getting recognised," said Ms Crawshaw.
Prince Harry, in a speech at the end of the ceremony, described the experience as "humbling".

"I feel in awe of individuals with such determination, resolve and strength to take on the challenges they face from such a young age," he said.

"It is equally heart-warming to meet those who dedicate themselves to caring for these remarkable children and young people, and hear all that they do to make their lives the very best they can be. Your example is an inspiration to everybody.

"I have seen at first-hand the impact this wonderful charity can have on people's lives.

"The stories we have heard tonight are just the tip of the iceberg."

Linda Partridge, WellChild's director of programmes, said: "It is a tremendous challenge to select winners from the many, many truly amazing nominations we receive from all over the country.

"All the panel members are moved by the bravery of the children, the stories of selfless care and support and the dedication of the doctors, nurses, teachers, brothers and sisters who make a great difference to the lives of sick children.