The Argus, Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Carol Barnes Courageous Child of the Year

HOPE JEFFCOAT SOPHIE JORDAN ETHAN HOLMES
SOPHIE Jordan is only 13-years-of-age. But despite her young years, she has shown the kind of dedication and care most could never imagine. She looks after her mum who has Scoliosis of the spine which causes her chronic pain. With her grandparents also both suffering ill health, she is responsible for looking after her four siblings. As well as cooking and cleaning she has to all the little things most take for granted such as putting her brothers and sisters to bed. Her family have had a tough time over recent years but Sophie has always been there to help. As a result, she would be excused for letting her school work suffer. But Sophie is an A grade student. Jackson Hall, who nominated her, said: Not only is she an absolute star for caring in the way she does, but she is a fantastic girl with a lovely personality. We are nominating her on behalf of the Association of Carers and cannot think of anyone who deserves this award more.

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HOPE Jeffcoat was given just three months to live in 2009, but defied medics by going into remission four years later. The eight-year-old has a condition so rare it is believed to affect only one in 20 million children her age. Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital told her parents to prepare themselves for the worst in 2009. But the determined eight-year- old came through years of blood tests, chemotherapy and various types of medication and is now actively enjoying life to the full. Her father Neil said: We saw her doctors a day after her birthday in April and we got the news she was in remission and did not have to come back again for another year. It was the best birthday present she could have received. She is our little miracle. Hope was one of the youngest children in the world to be diagnosed with a form of vasculitis, called polyarteritis nodosa. This is an inflammation of the blood vessels which chokes off the blood supply to major organs like the kidneys or the gut. She also suffered from juvenile systemic arthritis, which can lead to fever, pain and general debilitation. Hope was having constant flare-ups and the condition was badly affecting her organs, leaving her seriously ill. Mr Jeffcoat, 38, said: It became so bad doctors said she only had two to three months to live and we should prepare ourselves. We think it is a combination of the medication, our faith and her own strength that has helped her get through it.

LITTLE Ethan has had a tough start to his life. His brother died when he was four and he was singled out as an emotionally disturbed child at school. After months of agony struggling to fit in, he was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, auditory processing disorder, dyslexia and hyper mobility in his joints. But this was just the start of his problems. He moved from school to school, struggling to adjust. He suffered bullying and his childhood years began to slip away. But through his determination and drive and thanks to a move to a special school, Ethan started to turn the corner. His grades continued to improve, he met and made new friends and his whole outlook had changed. Now school is broken up for summer, he cant wait to go back. Ethan is an amazing little boy who refused to let his condition get in the way of happiness. The future is very bright.

KEIRA ROYDS-JONES BENEDICT MCALISTER LAUREN GANDER

HARRY FREEMAN

LITTLE Keira Royds-Jones, six, from Hove, was born with a rare genetic condition called Alagille Syndrome The illness, which affects just one in 70,000 people, has left her with liver, heart and sight problems. As a result her bones are also dangerously brittle. She was put on the transplant list at the end of 2011 and a liver became available the following year. Since then she has never looked back. Her mother, Kirsty, 36, said: She is a completely different child and we are so grateful to the family who agreed to organ donation. I am in favour of the idea of opting out rather than opting in. It is a really good idea. Her courage in the face of advisory is something we can all look up to. A truly brave little girl.

BENEDICT, six, was born with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, a rare condition for which there is no cure. The youngster's parents, Justine and Bruce, both 41, will have to watch as their boy's muscles continue to weaken and waste over time. Frustratingly, scientists are in the very early stages of developing a drug that could potentially stop the process of degeneration. However red tape is likely to slow down the research which means they are still a long way off from bringing the drug to the clinical trials stage. Benedict is slowly coming to realise that he is different to his school friends. But despite this, he makes the best of life.

LAUREN was born with spina bifidha and is a regular at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. She defied medical experts who said she may never walk and continues to battle the illness courageously. The deformity in her back causes constant pain but she has remained positive and is determined to help others worse off. Last year the youngster was given the honour of carrying the Olympic torch in Rye and her fundraising efforts currently stands in excess of 300,000. She also continues to excel at school and has recently been offered places at the prestigious Brit School in London and Rye Studio School. Mum, Linda, said: Lauren is a lovely girl with a bright future but one which doctors feared she may never have.

HARRY Freedman is something of a community champion on Brightons Bristol Estate. Despite being just 15-years-old, the youngster is forever helping out those in need. Whether it is a spot of gardening, collecting shopping for the elderly or helping out in the cafe, Harry will be on hand. His dad Raymond said: Hes only 15 and juggles all his community work with his school commitments. He is a really hard working and has recently impressed on a work placement at Brighton and Hove City Council. Im really proud of him and think he is very deserving of this award.