Page last updated at 20:11 GMT, Wednesday, 10 December 2008

Children of Courage steal show

By Daniela Relph
BBC News, Westminster Abbey

Advertisement

Highlights from the awards ceremony

Each and every one of the children honoured at Westminster Abbey had an inspirational story to tell.

Each and every one had been through tough times, or shown incredible determination.

Watching this year's Children of Courage being honoured was a humbling experience.

They were brought to the abbey straight from a meeting and photo-call with the prime minister in Downing Street.

It was to be that kind of day.

At the Abbey, the service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster in front of a congregation full of familiar faces.

I sat behind Gary Lineker, alongside two Girls Aloud, and in front of some EastEnders.

Strictly semi-finalist Tom Chambers had hung up his dancing shoes for a couple of hours to be there.

Judges Len Goodman, Arlene Philips and Craig Revel Horwood were on their best behaviour.

But the 10 children, aged between five and 14, were the real stars of the show.

Even Prince Harry, who presented them with their medals, had to take a back seat.

Natural empathy

The actor Anthony Andrews read the citations from the pulpit - summaries of what each child had been through and why they were being honoured.

As they went up to meet the prince, most could not hide their excitement while most of their parents could not hide their tears. It was a day of mixed emotions.

First to receive the honour was five-year-old Rupert Parsons, who has fought severe disability since the day he was born.

Prince Harry and Lucy Long
Lucy Long, eight, was delighted to meet Prince Harry

It is always interesting to watch Prince Harry in this environment. Of all the senior members of the Royal Family, he is probably most at ease at this kind of event.

As Rupert Parsons moved carefully towards the stage, holding his mother's hand, Prince Harry knelt down, put the medal around his neck and then guided him towards the camera for a photo.

He has a manner and natural empathy with young people that draws obvious comparisons to his mother.

Six other children then took their turn in the limelight and finally Lucy, Charlotte and Bonnie Long, three sisters, received their awards as Unsung Heroes.

Wearing their favourite glittery dresses, the girls were honoured for the way they had supported each other during Lucy's battle with leukaemia.

Their father Bill said the sisterly bond had got everyone through - and he knew things were beginning to get back to normal as the girls have started bickering again.

Inspirational people

The service ended with a rousing rendition of Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.

The children were then able to spend some time with Prince Harry before being let loose on the room filled with their favourite celebrities.

Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts (r) from Girls Aloud
It's amazing, the courage they've got, how old they are for their years
Kimberley Walsh, Girls Aloud

Autograph books in hand, it was rich pickings and the Long sisters were fearsome in their approach. No celebrity escaped.

For Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh, it had been an incredibly moving day.

"It's amazing, the courage they've got, how old they are for their years," she said.

"We were watching in disbelief, thinking of how many other children have stories like this to tell.

"It just puts things in perspective."

The day that began with a meeting with the prime minister, included a chat with a prince, ended with a few lords.

The Children of Courage were guests of honour at a reception in the House of Lords.

It was a day that will live with these children forever.

It had been a remarkable, inspiring few hours for a group of remarkable and inspiring young people.

Print Sponsor


SEE ALSO
Courage award for carer, aged 7
10 Dec 08 |  South West Wales

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Has China's housing bubble burst?
How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire
Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific