Last year’s WellChild Award winner, play specialist Lizzie Penn, has joined national children’s charity, WellChild, in the call for nominations for the 2023 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK. This prestigious annual event celebrates the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people and the dedication of those who go that extra mile to make a real difference to their lives.
Last year’s event saw Lizzie attend a star-studded Awards event at the Hurlingham Club in London where she had the chance to chat with many of the celebrity guests and WellChild supporters.
Lizzie, who is a Senior Play Specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, was picked from 100s of nominations from across the UK to win the category of Outstanding Professional.
Lizzie has made the lives of thousands of children better in her 23 years in the role, where she strives to reduce levels of anxiety during hospital admissions or appointments by preparing children for procedures and distracting them whilst medical interventions are taking place, always making sure they and their families feel safe and supported. As a play specialist Lizzie goes above and beyond to find ways to distract children during procedures, including turning an intensive care ward into a space ship so one child could go on a virtual trip to the moon. Lizzie and the entire play team aim to give the children and young people in Great Ormond Street Hospital as many positive experiences as possible and to make positive memories.
Lizzie was nominated by Kristel Burgess, both of whose sons were in Great Ormond Street Hospital at times during the pandemic, when limits on visitors made life even tougher for patients and their families. Lizzie went the extra mile to give Kristel’s son Josh a special birthday in hospital and was always there with a friendly smile and a shoulder for Kristel to cry on during tough times.
WellChild is now calling on people in the region to put forward their nominations for the 2023 WellChild Awards.
“I had such a fantastic day at the WellChild Awards.” said Lizzie. “It was a great experience and something I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to show how important it is to help children find happiness and keep life as normal as possible even in the most difficult situation. It would be terrific for another child or professional from London to be a winner this year.”
Guests at the 2022 Awards, in association with global healthcare company GSK, included Leigh-Anne Pinnock from Little Mix, Frankie Bridge from the Saturdays, TV presenters Dick and Dom, Gaby Roslin who presented the event and many more.
WellChild Chief Executive, Matt James said: “There are more children and young people than ever before in the UK living with long-term, serious health needs. The pandemic placed these children and families under more pressure than many of us can comprehend. The WellChild Awards 2023 will be a unique opportunity to recognise and highlight the immense challenges they continue to face and celebrate the remarkable positivity, resilience and spirit they have demonstrated. It will also help us to shine a light on the dedication of those around them, from siblings and professionals who have gone above and beyond to help them through such challenging times.”
If you know someone who deserves special recognition then nominate them for a WellChild Award by visiting our website at www.wellchild.org.uk/awards.
The closing date for entries is Monday March 20th.
