‘Inspiring’ Horley nine-year-old and Oxted teen join Duke of Sussex in call for nominations for local unsung heroes at 2026 WellChild Awards
Last year’s WellChild award winners, nine-year-old Gwen Foster from Horley and 18-year-old Declan Bitmead from Oxted, have joined the national children’s charity and its patron Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in the call for people from Surrey 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.
Gwen, a determined young girl with a big personality and a huge love for football, was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
A full-time wheelchair user, Gwen has consistently refused to let her medical challenges hold her back.
From her successful transition to mainstream education to becoming a competitive wheelchair racer, Gwen has become a symbol of resilience in Horley.
Meanwhile, Declan has inspired the county with his incredible fundraising efforts.
His life changed at the age of six when he developed the rare and life-threatening condition Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, leaving him with permanent sight impairment and ongoing health challenges.
Refusing to be defined by his illness, Declan has shown remarkable resilience and has raised more than £25,000 for charity through football fundraisers, inspiring others with his courage, kindness and commitment to giving back.
As 2026 WellChild Awards winners, Gwen and Declan got to meet and spend time with the Duke of Sussex, who described them as “inspiring”.
He said: “It was a privilege to meet Declan at last years’ WellChild Awards. His determination, positivity and generosity towards others are truly inspiring and exactly what the WellChild Awards recognises and celebrates.
“As for Gwen, our balloon sword fight was a wonderful reminder of her fun-loving spirit and confidence. She’s such a character and her determination, independence and incredible resilience in the face of her daily challenges are truly inspiring.”
With the support of Gwen, Declan and the Duke of Sussex, WellChild is calling on people from Surrey to put forward nominations to ensure their community "superstars" receive the national recognition they deserve.
Categories include:
- Inspirational Child or Young Person: Aged four-to-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.
Matt James, WellChild’s CEO, said: “Young people like Gwen and Declan 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.”
Gwen’s mother, Jenny, said: “It was such a special occasion, not just to show Gwen how amazing she is, but also to meet all the other winners.
“It’s a night we will never forget. Gwen’s WellChild Award has pride of place in the house, and every time I look at it, I smile and beam with pride at what Gwen has achieved.”
Declan’s mother, Ashleigh, added: “It meant the world to us to watch Declan receive his WellChild Award. It gave him a moment where his strength, kindness and determination were truly seen and celebrated.
“We’d encourage everyone to put forward nominations for the people they care about.”
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 Surrey who deserves to be celebrated, please visit: www.wellchild.org.uk/awards.
The closing date for nominations is Sunday, March 15.