Kent’s Children’s Awards, organised by estate agent Wards, announce 2025 winners

A schoolgirl left paralysed by a catastrophic accident and a young carer looking after two parents with severe disabilities are among the Kent youngsters chosen this year for the Wards Children’s Award.

The awards, which aim to shine a light on children, families and charities fighting inconceivable battles or overcoming unimaginable odds, are now in their 22nd year.

Organised by estate agent Wards, and supported by the KM Group and Kent Community Foundation, winners were presented with their accolades during a glitzy celebration lunch on Friday, which told many heartwarming stories alongside those of utter heartbreak.

You can learn more about this year’s winners below…

YOUNG VOLUNTEER / FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR - Brooke Smith

Young rugby fan Brooke Smith dreams of one day playing for England.

Last year, she started volunteering at Dartford Valley Rugby, which in the last few seasons has been clustered with Beccehamians Rugby club to create the BeccsValley girls team, where Brooke plays in the Under 16s.

But when she’s not on the pitch, she can be found helping with the Mini Monsters and the under 12 girls’ squad.

Brooke, from Dartford, has also challenged herself to 50 passes every day for a year to raise money for The Wooden Spoon charity, helping children with disabilities or living in poverty.

Last year Brooke lost her Nanny after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and she has faced some bullying.

But, despite the awful experiences, her family say she has shown strength and resilience to remain positive, helpful and friendly.

So far, she has raised £800 while being an advocate and an inspiration to younger girls interested in sport.

OUTSTANDING CHARITY OF THE YEAR - Song Signing

Song Signing is a charity dedicated to making British Sign Language accessible to all - blending the joy of music with the power of sign language to empower children to express themselves in ways that go beyond spoken words.

Based in Dartford, but reaching across Kent and beyond, Song Signing teaches BSL sign supported English to help both those with communication difficulties and anyone eager to learn the vital skill.

They regularly partner with community groups like Rainbows, Brownies, Scouts, and St John Ambulance, helping young people work toward communication and inclusion badges while tackling the growing issue of social isolation.

Its reach extends further through weekly Zoom sessions and a newly launched Communication Hub—offering a safe, welcoming space for anyone facing communication challenges, that is run entirely by a team of volunteers.

Song Signing makes communication more inclusive, felt the judges, ensuring no voice — spoken or signed — is left unheard, making them a truly deserving recipient of the Outstanding Charity award.

EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG CARER - Oliver Baines

For years, Oliver Baines from Ripple, near Dover, has helped care for his parents who both have severe disabilities.

His mum, who has multiple sclerosis and lives with mobility issues, says her young carer has no shame in stepping up to help with everyday tasks.

Described by his mum as a ‘true hero who never complains’, Oliver’s nomination came from his proud grandparents who told judges their grandson is “selfless, extremely kind and mature’.

Most recently, with his mum having had a major operation, Oliver ‘stepped up’ helping to cook, clean and look after the family’s 18 ducks and 14 chickens!

Despite everything he juggles, judges were told the youngster is also doing brilliantly at school - earning himself the Exceptional Young Carer title.

YOUNG HERO OF THE YEAR - Alice Trott

In April 2025, 10-year-old Alice Trott was on her way to Ashford when her mum Rachel suddenly because became very unwell at the wheel of their car.

With Rachel having pulled into a layby Alice knew she needed help but, with little signal, it took three attempts to reach emergency services.

Alice also got out the car, which had her younger sister inside, to knock on the doors of parked lorries where she was able to get the attention of one driver who also called for help.

Rachel had had a massive heart attack and was rushed to hospital for an emergency surgery.

Alice’s quick, calm reactions, say her family who live on Romney Marsh, saved her mum’s life.

Rachel added: “She called 999 and managed to get the ambulance to me in time. She also had to look after her younger sister as well. If it wasn’t for her making that call, I may not be here today.”

BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS CHILD (Age 0-8) - Arlo Keating

Young Arlo had lived with bowel problems since he was 18 months old but in October 2024 he was rushed to hospital and -what was initially thought to be toddler constipation - was found to be a 10cm cancerous tumour that had wrapped itself in his small bowel and perforated.

Critically ill, Arlo developed sepsis and was put on life support before being rushed to Kings College Hospital, where the tumour and parts of his small bowel were removed.

In the months that followed the brave Rainham youngster underwent more operations where he lost more of his small bowel and was diagnosed with short bowel syndrome — a life threatening and life limiting condition.

Today, aged 4, he has a central line in his heart and a gastronomy button to deliver the nutrition his bowel no longer can properly absorb.

This courageous young man has been so brave, say his family, and deals with his new life of endless tests, scans and appointments extremely well.

Sam, his grandmother told judges she believes her incredible grandson deserves recognition for his fighting spirit and positive attitude.

“He’s our little miracle” she added.

BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS CHILD (Ages 0-8) - Primrose Ransley

In January this year, Primrose Ransley from Dover was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia two weeks after becoming unwell after Christmas.

Her family, the judging panel was told, were immediately thrust into a scary world of hospitals, pediatric intensive care units miles from home and chemotherapy options.

Primrose’s Aunt Shannon explained: “I can’t even begin to imagine how scared my niece felt, especially during those first few weeks after diagnosis.

“She was prescribed high-dose steroids, and her little face was so swollen, with other side effects including intense emotional outbursts.

“Her hair has now fallen out and despite me and my sister dreading the day this would happen, Primrose wasn’t phased.

“She has totally embraced it and has the most amazing array of hats and turbans that she rocks every single day.”

The awards ceremony was told the young winner has taught her family so much about resilience and strength - earning her the new nickname ‘Warrior Princess’.

BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS CHILD (Ages 8-16) - Grace Tutt

Grace Tutt was on her bus home from school when it was involved in a catastrophic collision with a tractor.

The impact of the accident would prove to be devastating - with Grace having been sat in the path of the tractor’s bucket as it pierced the roof of the bus.

The accident severed Grace’s spinal cord leaving her paralysed from the chest down and meaning she will never walk again.

She also tore an artery in her neck, causing a series of mini strokes that has led to trauma in the right side of her brain and the back part of her skull.

Her diaphragm is paralysed on the right side, severely affecting her ability to breath, leaving her reliant on a breathing tube.

Amid a long list of devastating and extensive injuries, which turned her and her family’s lives upside down, Grace has an unimaginably long journey ahead of her.

But despite the physical and psychological battles she faces every single day her friends and family say she is a fighter, facing her recovery with incredible bravery.

BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS CHILD (Ages 8-16) - Hollie Hawksworth

When Hollie Hawksworth was just two years old, her family become concerned about some differences in their toddler.

Random twitches, absences, a loss of feeling in her limbs and her head getting noticeably bigger all led them on a two year search for answers.

In June 2016, her family got their daughter a CT scan that revealed Hydrocephalus - a buildup of fluid putting pressure on her brain.

Hollie, from the Isle of Grain, was rushed to Kings College Hospital the same day for a major operation and more followed months later, while a shunt was also fitted.

She has undergone years of physiotherapy and occupational therapy to help her regain strength while facing difficulties with her balance, dizziness, weakness, pain and headaches.

In February last year, Hollie was rushed for more surgery to remove the shunt because she had developed gangrene appendicitis and faced possible brain damage.

Once again, judges were told, she recovered well but this year faced a further setback when she was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder that causes her body to collapse with severe migraines, dizziness and paralysis.

Her mum explained: “So many questions were asked of her and she fought through everything.”

“She continues to make everyone proud and she deserves this recognition because she has fought through so many tough times in her life.”

COURAGEOUS FAMILY - The Parker-Boytons

Jacob, 10, and Thomas Junior, 7, both have complex neurological needs and attend a specialist school while their 12-year-old sister Paige also faces her own needs.

Paige is a registered young carer for her siblings and at the end of last year became a young carer for her mum, Aimee, who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Aimee underwent successful surgery at the beginning of the year with husband Tom, and Paige, supporting her through treatment.

Despite a limited support network, which means Aimee also has not been able to work as a result of caring for three children with complex needs, she is described as a mum that always prioritises her children over herself despite her own needs.

Addressing Friday’s audience before presenting the Maidstone family with their award, Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins said: “I’m sure you’ll agree, this family has faced more hardship than most could ever imagine.

“This award celebrates and recognises a family that has beaten the overwhelming odds to overcome staggering adversity, where not just one person but the entire family has been challenged in ways that none of us could even imagine, and this year is no different.”