Celebrate Kent’s young heroes in the Wards Children’s Awards 2025

by Lauren Abbott

labbott@thekmgroup.co.uk

Young Samuel Hopkins was sat watching television when his family’s new vacuum cleaner, which was tucked in the corner of the living room, suddenly burst into flames.

Without hesitation the little lad swiftly alerted his mum and brother, who were upstairs in the house, before using fire safety advice given to him at school to get them safely through the black smoke that was rapidly engulfing their house.

Samuel Hopkins showed immense bravery say last year’s judging panel. Image courtesy of Hayley Goodsell Administration and Events Manager for estate agents Wards.

Running next door to also alert neighbours while his mum called the fire brigade - Samuel’s brave actions 18 months ago earned him a Young Hero’s Award at the tail end of last year.

The Wards Children’s Awards judging panel was told that while the family - who at the time of last year’s awards - had still not been able to return to their Chartham home, without Samuel’s quick-thinking actions the outcome could have been ‘so much worse’.

Samuel was one of 10 winners ultimately chosen for a Children’s Award in 2024 - and celebrated at a special gala lunch in the autumn.

Alongside Samuel was recognition last year for young fundraisers John Pond - who after being bullied himself had become a school anti-bullying ambassador all while fundraising for various charities - and Dexter Dray who embarked on a gruelling challenge to help pay for memorial benches and plaques for bereaved families.

While Callum Pollard from Ashford was chosen as last year’s Exceptional Young Carer for the support offered to his younger brother, who is living with ASD and ADHD, and his stepdad who has spinal spondylosis.

Callum Pollard was awarded the title of Exceptional Young Carer last year.

The Children’s Awards, organised by estate agents Wards, are once again supported by the KM Media Group and the Kent Community Foundation.

Nominations for this year’s event have now opened - and judges are hopeful of finding a cohort of special young people just as brilliant as John, Dexter, Samuel and Callum.

Dexter Dray. Photo courtesy of Hayley Goodsell, Wards Administration and Events Manager.

There are six categories seeking submissions. If you know someone deserving of an accolade - who might fit the bill in one of our six categories - we'd like you to tell us about them as soon as possible.

Entering is quick and easy and can be done online in minutes by clicking here.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, May 9.