Leeds nurse joins Duke of Sussex in call for nominations for local unsung heroes at 2026 WellChild Awards
Last year’s WellChild award winner, Helen, a nurse at Leeds Children’s Hospital, has joined the national children’s charity and its patron Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in the call for people from Yorkshire to enter this year’s awards – with nominations now open.
In association with GSK, the prestigious annual event celebrates the inspirational qualities of some of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, and the dedication of those who go that extra mile to care for them.
Helen has been praised for being a "constant presence" for families during their most difficult times. She was honoured at last year’s event for single-handedly carrying the regional tracheostomy service during a period of intense demand, transforming fear into confidence for families across Yorkshire.
As a 2026 WellChild Awards winner, Helen got to meet and spend time with the Duke of Sussex, who described her as “ remarkable”.
He said: “Meeting Helen was a memorable moment for me. Her work as a WellChild Nurse is truly remarkable, combining expert care with incredible empathy to make a life-changing difference for the children with complex needs and their families that she works with every day. She embodies the very spirit of the WellChild Awards.”
Helen added: “It was a huge honour to be presented with the WellChild Nurse Award. I had the most fabulous evening and everyone was so kind and welcoming. The children really are inspirational, and it was so lovely to meet them all.”
With the support of Helen and the Duke of Sussex, WellChild is calling on people from Yorkshire to put forward nominations to ensure their community "superstars" receive the national recognition they deserve. Categories include:
● Inspirational Child or Young Person: Aged 4-18, who has shown incredible courage or assisted others despite their own health challenges.
● Inspirational Parent/Carer: An individual who has gone the extra mile to care for a child with complex health needs.
● Inspirational Health Professional: A doctor, nurse or member of the wider healthcare team who has made a truly exceptional difference to a local family’s life.
Commenting on the awards, Matt James, WellChild’s CEO, said: “Professionals like Helen truly embody what the WellChild Awards are all about – resilience, compassion and the determination to thrive in the face of adversity. Across the UK, more and more families are caring for children with serious and complex health needs. Behind every child’s story is a network of extraordinary people who go above and beyond every single day.
“The WellChild Awards 2026, in association with GSK, give us the opportunity to recognise that courage and commitment – not only from the children and young people themselves, but also from their parents, siblings and the professionals who support them with unwavering dedication, all working to keep these children as healthy and happy as possible.”
Alongside the Duke of Sussex’s patronage, WellChild enjoys a wealth of celebrity support, with Molly-Mae, Jaime Laing, Ronnie Wood and Gaby Roslin just some of the personalities to champion the charity last year. The awards culminate in a star-studded ceremony in London where winners from across the UK can meet celebrity guests and share their stories.
Nominations are quick and easy to complete online, so for anyone who knows a child, young person or professional in Yorkshire who deserves to be celebrated, please visit: www.wellchild.org.uk/awards
The closing date for nominations is Sunday 15th March 2026.
A call for nominations from the Duke of Sussex can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JruArtL_Kz4