Prince Harry praises 'amazingly brave children' at WellChild Awards

Prince Harry spoke from the heart when he spoke of the "amazingly brave group of children and young people" at the WellChild Awards tonight.

Harry, who is a patron of the charity, spoke out after meeting the young winners of the Inspirational Child award at a pre-ceremony reception at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in central London.

The event is to recognise the courage of children living with serious illness and the medical professionals who care for them.

Prince Harry said: "Many of the children and young people WellChild support have been dealt the hardest card imaginable in life, and yet their courage inspires the most incredible strength in those around them.

"I meet the parents, who are often powerless to change their children's fate, but will do everything they can to make the most of each moment," he said.

He went on: "I see the nurses and clinical staff, who become a lifeline for these families that just want to be at home rather than in hospital.

"But what everybody has in common is the sense of grace, positivity and good humour that creates a community of support.

"Knowing that someone is on your side, understands what you are going through, and will carry you through it, is a lifeline that should not be underestimated.

"These awards were created to shine a bright light on an amazingly brave group of children and young people, on their lives, and on the resolve they and their families have shown to overcome such challenges.

"Life for families caring for seriously ill children is exceptionally tough. And without WellChild it is even tougher." he said.