SKIPTON youngster George Hall has been selected as a winner in the national 2023 WellChild Awards having been nominated by his grandmother, Nicola Garbutt.

George, 11, will be off to collect his award in London on September 7 where he will meet WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, at a private reception for winners.

George, 11, who has severe health problems including a tracheotomy, pacemaker and complete heart block, was picked from hundreds of nominations from across the UK to win the category of Inspirational Child 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.

George has been in and out of hospital his whole life and has undergone hundreds of medical procedures to help with his complex medical needs. He has a tracheotomy, a pacemaker, is tube fed and relies on life support machines every night.

Despite his array of medical issues, George’s spirit is unbreakable, and it is his positivity and drive to live life to the fullest that led to him winning a WellChild Award. Last year George won the Yorkshire Schools Cross Country Accessible Race final, where he was commended by the organisers for his determination to never give up.

Nicola said: “Winning this WellChild Award will raise George’s confidence and his spirits massively. He’s been through so much since he was born, but especially over the past year. He’s our hero and his fighting, but always fun, spirit deserves recognition.”

WellChild chief executive, Matt James said: “The number of children and young people in the UK living with long term, complex medical needs are growing. The WellChild Awards 2023, in association with GSK. will be a unique opportunity to recognize the immense challenges they have faced and to celebrate their remarkable positivity, resilience, and spirit, which is an inspiration to us all.”

WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex said: “For nearly 20 years, WellChild has been transforming the lives of children and young people across the UK, providing critical care that prioritises the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of these individuals and their families. The courage and strength embodied by these young people – and the tireless devotion of those who support them – never cease to inspire me. I’m honoured to attend this year’s awards ceremony and celebrate their incredible work.”