WellChild Awards

In September GSK celebrated the bravery of some of the UK’s most unwell children as sponsor of the 2012 WellChild Awards. WellChild supports seriously ill young people and their families throughout the UK through programmes of care, support and research.

The awards, now in their eighth year, are an annual highlight for the charity. In addition to categories for the most brave and caring children, the awards recognise people who have made a real difference to sick children – including outstanding health, social care and education professionals. The award ceremony is also an opportunity for the winners to meet some of their favourite celebrities and WellChild’s patron, Prince Harry.

The awards, now in their eighth year, are an annual highlight for the charity. In addition to categories for the most brave and caring children, the awards recognise people who have made a real difference to sick children – including outstanding health, social care and education professionals. The award ceremony is also an opportunity for the winners to meet some of their favourite celebrities and WellChild’s patron, Prince Harry.

Speaking at the event, Prince Harry praised the courage of all those nominated, saying: “All of you – children, families, nurses, doctors, carers, volunteers – are quite frankly too remarkable for me to describe adequately with mere words.

“It is the example that you set us that makes me so proud to be the patron of WellChild. The charity is committed to helping the most seriously ill children and young people. Through its brilliant staff it ensures every child it looks after receives treatment and care unsurpassed anywhere in the world.”

GSK has supported WellChild since 2007, most recently funding three WellChild nurses. These nurses provide essential care and practical support for children, enabling them to leave hospital and be cared for at home, reducing the practical, emotional and financial impact on their families.

Phil Thomson, Senior Vice President of Global Communications, gave the opening speech at the awards ceremony and took the opportunity to reinforce GSK’s commitment to supporting causes and charities that improve the health and wellbeing of people in the communities GSK works in.

Find out more about GSK’s support for UK charities.