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Youngsters from across Kent honoured at 2014 Ward and Partners Children's Awards at Mercure Great Danes Hotel in Ashford Road, Maidstone

Inspirational youngsters were honoured for their courage at an emotional awards ceremony today.

Each of the 10 awards were given to people who have had obstacles thrown at them, from personal illness to supporting vulnerable members of their family.

The Ward and Partners Children’s Awards, hosted at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel in Hollingbourne, turned the spotlight onto them.

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A group shot of all the winners
A group shot of all the winners

They arrived at the Ashford Road premises at midday for the ceremony before tucking in to a two-course meal.

Aldo Sotgiu, managing director of the estate agent, said: “Everyone can’t help being drawn to the incredible courage that families and individuals have endured.

“Today is very much recognising and celebrating them.”

Danny Harris, aged just two-and-a-half, was awarded the triumph over adversity award for children aged up to five.

Danny Harris with mum Amy and dad Danny
Danny Harris with mum Amy and dad Danny

The youngster from Abbey Wood is registered blind, has a severe hearing impairment, quadriplegic cerebral palsy, and epilepsy which causes him to suffer between 20 and 60 seizures each day.

Mother Amy, 28, said: “It’s been lovely and it’s lovely for him to get this. He is very happy.”

Lily Tyler from Broadstairs picked up the same prize in the six to 11 category.

The seven-year-old also has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and when she was born after 29 weeks and her family were told to prepare for the worst.

Lily Tyler who won last year’s Triumph Over Adversity Award with mum Andrena and dad Jonathan, presented by KM Group chairman, Geraldine Allinson and TV presenter, Charlotte Hawkins
Lily Tyler who won last year’s Triumph Over Adversity Award with mum Andrena and dad Jonathan, presented by KM Group chairman, Geraldine Allinson and TV presenter, Charlotte Hawkins

Two years ago her lung collapsed following emergency surgery.

Despite the challenges thrown her way her mother, Andrena Tyler, said: “We’re very pleased. Lily has always been very happy and it’s nice to get something positive out of something negative.”

Jamie Smith with dad Ryan
Jamie Smith with dad Ryan

Jamie Smith was the final recipient of the triumph over adversity award for people aged 12-16.

The 16-year-old, who goes to the Valence School in Westerham, has a neuromuscular degenerative condition which is life-limiting.

Despite this he is able to walk a small amount and now lives with his dad, Ryan, who has chronic renal failure and is on dialysis awaiting a transplant.

As a result of this he has had to grow up very quickly and often cares for his dad.

Ethan Anderson with mum Christina
Ethan Anderson with mum Christina

Ethan Anderson scooped the Exceptional Young Carer Award.

The 11-year-old from Hoo helps care for his younger sister who is eight and has impaired vision as well as hearing and severe learning difficulties.

His sibling can be very challenging but Ethan helps them as much as he can.

A group of a dozen girls from King Elthelbert’s School in Birchington were given the Young Fund raisers award.

Kate Greig, Headmistress King Ethelbert's School
Kate Greig, Headmistress King Ethelbert's School

The year 10 pupils have put themselves forward to secure £30,000 for an orphanage in India for those affected by Aids.

They have worked tirelessly on fundraising and are currently in Goa, so head teacher Kate Greig collected their prize.

Holly Evans scooped the Going for Gold prize.

Holly Evans with Marli the magician
Holly Evans with Marli the magician

The Rochester youngster has recently been diagnosed with Asperger’s, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Sensory Processions Disorder.

She also struggles with anxiety but recently scored 676 out of 700 in her 11plus exam.

While at the ceremony she went up on stage to perform some magic tricks with Marli the Magician.

The Hammond family from Sheerness won the Courageous Family award.

The Hammond family
The Hammond family

Mother Lisa stays at home full-time to care for her five sons despite having severe hypermobility in her feet and arthritis in her lower back.

Husband Lee works full-time as a forklift driver but also helps care for the boys who are aged 12, 10, eight, three and one while husband Lee works full time as a forklift driver.

Their sons suffer from a range of conditions including Type 1 Diabetes, Attention Deficient Disorder and speech problems.

Sue Clark and son Jamie Outstanding Contribution award
Sue Clark and son Jamie Outstanding Contribution award

The Pegasus Playscheme Charity was the first recepient a new award given for Outstanding Contribution.

Each year it provides entertainment for young people with learning difficulties, including sailing and trekking.

It also sees 50 teenagers from Dover give up three weeks of their summer holidays to help supervise these activities.

Sue Clark, who has been the charity’s chairman for 12 years, said: “I am extremely happy to receive this and cannot believe that we have it. We couldn’t do it without our volunteers though - thank you to all of them.”

Jan Hall, Sophie Butler and Colin Trelfer collect the award for Crossroads Care
Jan Hall, Sophie Butler and Colin Trelfer collect the award for Crossroads Care

Crossroads Care, in Maidstone, collected the Outstanding Charity charity award.

It supports young carers by providing a safe and inviting environment allowing them to have fun and make friends.

Children and parents enjoy the ceremony

It also provides days out and weekends away.

Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins hosted the ceremony.

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