A speech by Prince Harry at the WellChild Awards, 2015

Another WellChild Awards, another emotional rollercoaster.

Thanks, Colin.

This is my eighth WellChild Awards now and every year, without fail, I am humbled by the people and children I meet. You guys are awesome.

The stories we have heard tonight are moving beyond words. They remind us of the utter insignificance of our everyday worries.

Yet, one of the things that always stands out is the positivity shown by those in the most difficult and testing circumstances.

It is heartening to hear so many stories of happiness and hope, even through the dark times.

And that is why we are all here this evening; to show our admiration for all the Award winners and to honour their strength of human spirit. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to recognise you all.

Sadly, many stories we have heard this evening highlight the challenges that many families all over the UK are confronting each day.

The greatest challenge for families with seriously ill children is often ensuring they have access to the best possible care and support.

It is easy to take it for granted that the necessary support is always available.

But in many cases that would simply not be the case without WellChild, especially the incredible team of WellChild Children's nurses who provide life-changing assistance for so many families.

I have been fortunate to spend time with some of the WellChild Nurses this year and have learnt more about how they are supporting families on the pathway from hospital to home.

This insight really helped bring home just how vital the entire network is across the country.

WellChild has also been able to fund a record number of new posts for Children's Nurses over the past 12 months, significantly increasing the number of children we are able to reach over the coming years.

As the charity grows and its support to children and young people expands, the demand for its help also will increase, as more families who need our help come forward.

Without the involvement and support of everyone in this room, WellChild simply would not be able to deliver the level of life changing work it does.

We have all seen this evening the mountains some children and young people have to climb on a daily basis, and just how important this work is.

You are all doing your bit – we simply couldn’t do it without you – but please spread the word so that others can do the same.

Finally, on behalf of everyone in this room, huge congratulations again to all the winners, and to your families and friends.

The example you set to us all makes us so proud to be associated with this wonderful Charity.

We literally have the bravest children in the UK in this room.

Thank you.