A speech by Prince Harry at the WellChild Awards, 2012

It is difficult to imagine a finer, more inspirational group of people than is gathered here tonight. It happens to me every year. I come along to the WellChild Awards knowing that I will meet old friends and make new ones. And every time, I am totally unprepared for the extraordinary reality of what greets me.

At the end of the evening, I leave a very humble man. All of you - children, families, nurses, doctors, carers, volunteers are, quite frankly, too remarkable for me adequately to describe with mere words.

But never one to be shy in coming forward, I'll give it a go. You’re fun, brave, inspirational, dedicated, professional, magnificent...oh, and fun again. It may seem an odd thing to say after the patriotic euphoria of the Olympics and Paralympics, but I think you represent the very best of Britain.

Your spirit triumphs through adversity, and makes our every day worries seem very very insignificant. 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.

WellChild, as an institution, is also something of which this Country can be truly proud. It just remains for me to congratulate all our winners tonight, and to thank WellChild’s supporters for the critical difference you make to so many young lives. Please, help us to continue and expand WellChild’s great work.