A mum from Shanklin is to be celebrated for her exceptional contribution to seriously ill children at a national awards ceremony, following the loss of her daughter last year.
Angela Turner has been named as a winner in the prestigious national 2024 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, having been nominated by her sister Lisa Whitaker and will be off to collect her award in London on September 30th.
The Awards are run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children.
Angela campaigned tirelessly to improve care for children like her daughter, Chelsea, who sadly lost her battle with complex medical conditions last year at the age of 11.
Angela was picked from 100s of nominations from across the UK to win the category of Parent Carer in these Awards which celebrate the resilience of children and young people living with serious illnesses or complex medical needs and honour the dedication of those individuals who go the extra mile to help them.
Throughout Chelsea Turner’s short life she faced challenges living with conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy and chronic problems with her breathing, digestion and mobility. There by her side was the positive influence of her mother, Angela, who dedicated herself to making every day the best it could be for Chelsea and others with similar conditions.
Angela quietly battled to change attitudes and fundraised to provide vital support. She even spearheaded a campaign to have a hoist and washing facilities installed in St Mary’s Hospital children’s ward while looking after Chelsea who was seriously ill at the time in an intensive care ward on the mainland.
Shortly after Angela and Chelsea’s father, Matthew, lost their daughter in July 2023, they succeeded in raising money that had been planned for a home sensory room for Chelsea who loved bubbles, lights and bright colours. Instead they used the funds to buy a portable sensory station for Barton Primary School to benefit pupils there with special educational needs.
Lisa who nominated Angela for a WellChild Award said:
“Angela is truly an inspiration, turning so many negatives into positives. She really deserves this recognition for everything she has done through her love of Chelsea which has made such a difference to her and to so many children on the island.”
Last year’s WellChild Awards saw children, young people, doctor, nurses and other professionals who work with seriously ill children attend a star-studded Awards event at the Hurlingham Club in London where they had the chance to chat with many of the celebrity guests and WellChild supporters including Tom Felton, Sophie-Ellis Bextor, Danny Jones and host Gaby Roslin. The winners also met WellChild’s patron, Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex in a private reception.
WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex said:
"I am once again honoured to attend this year’s WellChild Awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs.
"These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all. It is a true privilege to recognise such extraordinary individuals.”
WellChild Chief Executive, Matt James said:
“The number of children and young people in the UK living with long term, complex medical needs is growing. The WellChild Awards 2024, in association with GSK, will be a unique opportunity to recognise the immense challenges they have faced and to celebrate their remarkable positivity, resilience and spirit, which is an inspiration to us all.
"It will also help us to shine a light on the dedication of those around them, from siblings and parent carers, to the professionals who have gone above and beyond to give them the very best chance to thrive in life.”
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