Over many years one of the most astounding and heart-wrenching categories in the Pride of Reading Awards has been Child of Courage.
The stories of youngsters who have battled bravely with sickness or other trials have always amazed organisers and guests who attend the awards lunch.
And if personality was one of the criteria most would have won on that alone, often having the audience in stitches as they accepted their awards. It takes a lot of resilience and humour to face hardship at such a young age.
One of our nominations for the 2025 awards is Paige Williams, now aged 22, who as a nine-year-old picked up the Child of Courage trophy in 2013.
This time she is nominated for Employee of the Year by her employers at a Tilehurst day nursery, see full story left.
Paige fought cancer twice as a child undergoing “gruellling” treatments which left her with secondary illnesses.
Now she uses her own experiences to empower children, said her employer, and is on her way to complete her level 3 childcare qualification despite continuing health issues.
Organisers would like the people of Reading to tell us about their Child of Courage. The category recognises a child’s courage
and determination.
Do you know a young person aged 16 or under who has demonstrated courage through battling illness or other challenging circumstances?
Tell organisers about them — simply nominate them through the website at porawards.co.uk.
