A young girl from Basingstoke, who buys toys for children in hospital using her pocket money, will meet Prince Harry at the end of the month.
Scarlett Cripps, 10, has been named as a winner in the national 2024 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK.
The awards will take place on September 30, the ceremony will celebrate the resilience of children and young people living with serious illnesses or complex medical needs, and will be attended by the charity’s Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex.
Scarlett was picked from 100s of nominations from across the UK to win the category of Inspirational Young Person
Her mother, Aby, nominated her for a WellChild Award to recognise the impact she has had in her short life.
Aby said: “Scarlett is my constant ray of sunshine and brings smiles to so many other children. I love that this WellChild Award will put a well-deserved smile on her own face.
"She never asks for anything for herself and, despite her daily battles, she is endlessly brave, always surprising others with her kindness and generous nature.”
From an early age Scarlett has faced daily challenges caused by her medical conditions which affect her mobility, leave her extremely fatigued and often in severe pain. As a baby, she nearly lost her life to pneumonia and has so far undergone two major brain surgeries with the hope of reducing the fluid on her spine.
She continues to need help with most aspects of daily life and the simplest of tasks can take her five times longer than other girls her age.
Despite not being able to join in activities with her friends as she would like and spending large amounts of time in the hospital, Scarlett remains positive, always seeking a way to take part.
She spends her time in the hospital and at home cheering up other children facing similar challenges. She saves up her own ‘bravery’ stickers to give to other children on the ward, reads them stories and chats to them about their fears.
With her younger sister Sienna, Scarlett also puts aside pocket money to buy toys for the hospitals in Southampton and Basingstoke.
Having been bullied herself because she uses a wheelchair, Scarlett has been working with charities, the Mayor and the MP to promote a “Be Kind’ campaign to support other child victims of bullying.
Scarlett wanted to inspire other children and help them through their difficulties and helped launch Scarlett’s Smiles with Spotlight UK which aims to bring hope and smiles to children’s faces when they are struggling with life.
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.”
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