We were proud to be again sponsor the Isle of Wight Radio Child of Wight Awards and what a fantastic night was had by all celebrating the courage and determination of our Island’s young people. The evening was accompanied by fantastic balloon entertainment for the children (and adults!) from Twisted Inflations and a moving and energetic performance from the Island’s own dance and drama group Theatre Train.
Oliver Power – Overall Child of Wight Winner
Oliver Power – Overall Child of Wight Award Winner (sponsored by Wightfibre)
The overall winner of the evening was brave Oliver Power. Oliver was diagnosed with diabetes when he was just three years old, he has to test his blood all day and night to stay well, but regardless of this, he still leads an active and exciting life with school and his favourite hobby, football.
Jessica Furneaux – Asa Singleton Courageous Child Award
Jessica Furneaux – Most Courageous Child Winner (sponsored by Wightlink)
Most Courageous Child was awarded to Jessica Furneaux who was described as an “amazing and courageous child”. In 2012 at just 3 1/2 years old, Jessica was involved a terrible car accident. In March this year Jessica walked out in front of an audience with class mates to take part in the J Rock Challenge with her school and on Friday she proudly walked up to the stage again to accept her award.
Sophie Bruce – Sporting Star Winner
Sophie Bruce – Sporting Star (sponsored by Hovertravel)
Sporting Star was awarded to the energetic and hard-working 9-year-old Sophie Bruce. Super star Sophie is an incredible hockey player and is regularly travelling to and from the mainland for training. Sophie recently secured a place on the Under 14 Girls’ Hampshire Squad.
Shauna Willett – Make a Difference Winner
Shauna Willett – Make a Difference Award Winner (sponsored by The Needles Landmark Attraction)
The Make A Difference award was handed to Shauna Willett. 13-year-old Shauna has already had two spinal surgeries but still manages to partake in charity work with the Salvation Army. On Christmas Day, Shauna gave up her time to serve meals to lonely and vulnerable people and when Nippert Court went up in flames, she was one of three young people on hand to offer comfort and support to distressed residents.
Mitchell Woodward – Young Achiever Winner
Hettie Bell – Child Fundraiser of the Year (sponsored by Red Funnel)
Child Fundraiser of the Year went to 9 year old Hettie Bell who has already donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust once and plans to do so again soon. The Little Princesses Trust makes wigs for children suffering from cancer. Another charity close to Hettie’s heart is the Earl Mountbatten Hospice which means a lot to Hettie after they cared so well for her beloved Gramps.
Mitchell Woodward – Young Achiever Winner
Mitchell Woodward – Young Achiever Award Winner (sponsored by IFPL)
An unbelievable story came from Young Achiever Mitchell Woodward on Friday night after the audience heard how Mitchell had fallen underneath a tractor which his brother was driving. Mitchell suffered terrible injuries and was transferred to Southampton Hospital by Air Ambulance. Mitchell was released from hospital just 6 days later and within just 5 weeks he was back on his bike for Portsmouth Motocross club. He later went on to win the Winter Series.
Dylan Smith Young – Carer Winner
Dylan Smith – Young Carer Award Winner (sponsored by Unique Windows)
11 year old Dylan Smith won the Child Of Wight Young Carer Award for the compassion and commitment he shows when looking after his younger brother who suffers from cystic fibrosis. Dylan never stops caring for his brother and is always looking out for him at school, buying him football cards and accompanying him to hospital appointments.
Jamie Smith – Young Performer Winner
Jamie Smith – Young Performer Award Winner (sponsored by Marvins Estate Agents)
Twelve-year-old musician Jamie Smith won a place at the Purcell School of music for his impressive tuba-playing abilities. Jamie has been learning how to play since he was just 8-years-old and his dedication has now also won him the Young Performer Award at the Isle of Wight Radio Child of Wight Awards.
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Binstead Primary School, Year 6 – Best Friend Award Winners (sponsored by Amazon World)
The Best Friend Award went to the whole of year 6 at Binstead Primary School. Classmate Christopher has Downs Syndrome and dyspraxia, but his friends don’t notice that and they play with him and support him just as they would with any other peers. This is the group’s final year together at Binstead Primary, so it was fitting for them to be celebrated as a year group before leaving the school and what better way than awarding them with the Best Friend Award. The class were in for a surprise at school when Paul Topping brought some very special guests to present the award to them (above).
Danny & Bradley Arnold – Best Brothers
Danny & Bradley Arnold – Best Brother Award Winners (sponsored by Tapnell Farm)
Danny and Bradley Arnold are Best Brother award-winners. 19-year-old Billy Arnold has complex needs, but his younger brothers make his life feel full. They were nominated by their proud mum for the award on Friday night.
Phoebe & Keira Bamford – Best Sisters
Phoebe & Keira Bamford – Best Sister Award Winners (sponsored by Westridge Skip Hire)
The Child of Wight Best Sisters Award went to Phoebe and Keira Bramford who both go out of their way to care for and support their little brother Thomas who is deaf and little sister Ella who has been diagnosed with autism. The girls know more about hearing aids than their teachers and can even handle a meltdown situation should it arise.
