London play specialist, Lizzie Penn, has collected her prestigious national 2022 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, at the Hurlingham Club in London on September 8th , having been nominated by Kristel Burgess, the mother of Josh, one of the young patients Lizzie has supported.
The Awards are run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children. The charity’s Patron, The Duke of Sussex was called away to Balmoral and so could not attend the WellChild Awards ceremony with his wife the Duchess as planned. The news of Her Majesty’s passing broke just as the awards ceremony was about to take place. In a change to the planned proceedings, there was a short silence as a mark of respect followed by a rendition of The National Anthem from opera singers Natalie Rushdie and Camilla Kerslake. The winners then all came onto the stage as a group to receive their awards.
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 in these Awards which celebrate the resilience of children living with serious illnesses or complex conditions and honour the dedication of those individuals who go the extra mile to help these children and their families.
Lizzie has positively impacted the lives of thousands of children 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. She organises activities and experiences tailored to the interests and personalities of each individual child, especially when they are in hospital over important occasions such as birthdays and Christmas.
Lizzie has a special place in the hearts of Kristel Burgess and her sons, both of whom were in Great Ormond Street Hospital at times during the pandemic, when limits on visitors made life even tougher for patients.
Kristel, who nominated Lizzie for a WellChild Award, explains how Lizzie went the extra mile to give her son, Josh, a special birthday while he was in hospital. Kristel said: “Lizzie made Josh a cake, picked out special presents for him, and decorated his room while he was still asleep so when he woke up he had the best surprise. She was also my support system and saviour during tough times, always there with a friendly smile and a shoulder to cry on while dreaming up fun distractions for the children.”
Lizzie is keen to share the immeasurable skill and knowledge she has developed as she helps guide and mentor new play specialists starting out in the role.
Lizzie said: “It’s important for these children that we help them find happiness and keep life as normal as possible even in the most difficult situations. It makes such a difference each time we can find the one thing which lights up a child’s eyes and makes them smile. I want to thank Kristel and Josh for their kindness in nominating me for this WellChild Award which I’m sure will raise awareness of this important role.”
WellChild Chief Executive, Matt James said: “We were so pleased to be able to celebrate our remarkable winners at The WellChild Awards 2022, in association with GSK, despite the unique circumstances this year. It was a chance to recognise and highlight the immense challenges they have faced and to celebrate the remarkable positivity, resilience, and spirit they have demonstrated. It also helped us to shine a light on the dedication of those around them, from siblings, professionals and volunteers who have gone above and beyond to help them through such challenging times.”
