12-year-old Anya Olweny from Matlock in Derbyshire has been named as a winner in the prestigious national 2024 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, having been nominated by her mother Gemma Olweny. She received her award in London on 30th September at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London and spent time with WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex. The Awards are run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children.
Anya is a tremendous help to her mum in caring for her 15-year-old brother Edward who was born with a chromosomal disorder and developmental delay. She was picked from 100s of nominations from across the UK to win the category of Inspirational Sibling in these Awards which celebrate the resilience of children and young people living with serious illnesses or complex medical needs and honour the dedication of those individuals who go the extra mile to help them.
Edward, who has little understanding of danger and is also severely short-sighted, needs constant supervision and is always on the move. This makes even the most mundane tasks challenging for their mother. However Anya steps up to entertain Edward or hold his hand when out and about.
Anya and Edward have enjoyed spending time together in the accessible garden created for them by WellChild. They now love helping with the farm animals at their new home. The family have taken part in inclusive outings organised by WellChild and supported the charity through craft projects, all of which have been made easier with Anya by her mother’s side.
Despite often having to put Edward’s needs before her own, Anya embraces her role without complaint, even when missing out . Anya misses out on things that other children can do. She still finds time for her favourite hobbies such as basketball and playing tenor horn in a brass band.
Anya’s mother, Gemma, nominated her for a WellChild Award to help her realise how important she is to the family, especially to her brother Edward. Gemma said:
“Anya has empathy beyond her years. She accepts everyone for who they are and, having grown up around children with Special Educational Needs, wants to make sure no-one is excluded. She not only care for her brother but she helps me stay sane and has helped keep Edward safe for years. She’s my ‘second-in-command’.”
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Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex has been WellChild Patron for 16 years and has provided invaluable help – equally in raising awareness and financial contributions – to ensure the charity can pursue its mission to improve the quality of life for seriously ill children and their families. This is the 13th time he has attended the WellChild Awards where he spent time with each winner and their families at a pre-ceremony reception, listening to their stories and helping create lifelong memories. He then attended the ceremony and presented the Award for Inspirational Child (aged 4-6) to Noah.
In a speech at the ceremony Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex said:
“To tonight’s award winners. 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.”
“As more and more children grow up living with complex conditions and disabilities, it is vital that we advance WellChild’s important work. There are still thousands of young people and families out there who need our help, and together, we can and will make a difference.”
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.
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.”
