Lucy's courage rewarded

Lucy Porritt from Southwick in Sussex is to be honoured at the Woman's Own Children of Courage Awards on Wednesday 13 December at Westminster Abbey.

Lucy's social diary is packed. Always on the go, she loves playing football, dancing and swimming.

A typical nine-year-old... except Lucy wears a restricting leg and body brace 23 hours a day.

Born with a deformed right foot and weak muscle tones, Lucy, from Rye, Sussex, has been a fighter from the beginning. She also had a cleft palate, which was operated on when she was a year old. When she was four, Lucy had her right foot amputated, and learned to walk with a prosthetic leg, up to her knee.

But a year later, doctors found Lucy was suffering from scoliosis. She has since had two major operations to cut her spine and replace part of it with steel rods to keep her upright.

The rods have to be lengthened every six to nine months, an extremely painful process.

But Lucy, who also has hearing difficulties and is learning sign language, is determined nothing will stop her enjoying life.

'She's a wonderful little girl, a light in all our lives,' said grandma Marilyn. 'Chloe never ceases to amaze us with her love of life and her concern for others at school. We love her to bits.'

The youngsters, aged between five and 15, will receive their awards before a star-studded congregation at Westminster Abbey, and then be guests of honour at a special reception held at the House of Lords. Prior to the ceremony itself, the winners will attend a breakfast at Number 10 Downing Street, to be hosted by Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife, Cherie.

Woman's Own Children of Courage is the best known and one of the longest running award ceremonies dedicated to recognizing the achievements of children. In previous years, presenters have included members of the Royal family and stars of stage and screen. Always a closely guarded secret, this year's presenters will not be announced until closer to the event. The day itself promises to be spectacular with the award-winners enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Woman's Own editor, Elsa McAlonan, says: "Woman's Own Children of Courage has become a national institution, celebrating the best and most selfless traits of human beings, kindness, bravery and determination. Westminster Abbey is the perfect venue and mid-December the perfect time to hold this unique ceremony, which recognizes the bravery of British children who provide an inspiration to us all."

This year's Awards will be unveiled in the magazine's bumper Christmas double issue (cover date 11 December, on sale date Tuesday, 28 November). The magazine will include full profiles of 10 young heroes from around the UK, whose stories will touch and amaze all who read them.

The Woman's Own Children of Courage Awards 2006 were judged by Baroness Massey; Elsa McAlonan, editor of Woman's Own and Fiona Phillips and Andrew Castle from GMTV.