Prince Harry meets inspirational Basingstoke girl, Scarlett Cripps

Scarlett Cripps, 10, was named a winner in the prestigious national 2024 WellChild Awards earlier this month. 

She received her award in London on Monday, September 30, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The Awards are run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children.

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Scarlett attended the awards ceremony in London (Image: Andrew Higgins/Thousand Word Media Ltd) Scarlett’s mother, Aby Cripps, 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.”

Scarlett, who has a serious brain malformation and extensive spinal syrinx which causes her extreme pain and muscle weakness, was picked from 100s of nominations from across the UK to win the category of Inspirational Child.

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 spends her time 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 local 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.

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Scarlett was nominated by her mum (Image: Antony Thompson/Thousand Word Media Ltd/WellChild) In a speech at the ceremony Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex said: “Congratulations you little legends. Thank you for your courage, your perseverance, your kindness, and of course your humour. Thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you.

“This evening, we come together not only to celebrate that remarkable resilience and spirit, but also to recognise and thank the unsung heroes. The superhero parents, carers, siblings and professionals who work tirelessly and selflessly to ensure these young people have the best lives possible. You are all incredible, and your love and dedication are nothing short of heroic."

The event, which was also attended by celebrities including Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, KSI and Oti Mabuse with performances from Beverley Knight MBE and Pixie Lott and was hosted by Gaby Roslin.