Published on: 31/05/18
The awards, run by the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, celebrate the children’s effort, achievements and contribution to their families and society as a whole in adverse circumstances.
The Children of Courage Awards are part of a series of special award events in Yorkshire, Midlands, Newcastle and London.
Alex and Coco were both winners of the London awards – they were entered by The Children’s Trust charity for children with brain injury.
Alex, now aged 19, had a brain tumour at the age of 15. He won the award for Special recognition.
Meanwhile, Coco, who had a stroke at the age of six, won the award for Outstanding bravery.
Alex’s award
Alex was diagnosed with a brain tumour the size of a golf ball four years ago. His award recognised special achievement by an individual or family.
Alex has achieved A-levels and secured a place at the University of Leicester (which he will take up in September).
He has also become heavily involved with The Children’s Trust, helping to raise awareness of brain injury and inspiring other young people not to give up on their dream.
You can read Alex’s story in the Brain Injury Hub’s Real stories section. Alex has also contributed to Me and my brain, the handbook for teenagers affected by acquired brain injury.
Coco’s award
Nine-year-old Coco suffered a stroke at the age of six and her award recognised exceptionally brave behaviour in the face or extreme challenge.
One evening Coco started speaking quietly then said she felt tired. She went to bed but later screamed out then started vomiting.
At hospital Coco’s mum Victoria was told her daughter had experienced a brain bleed. Different hospitals and surgery followed, then three months after her stroke Coco moved to The Children’s Trust in Surrey for specialist brain injury rehabilitation.
Coco’s progress surprised everyone and she began to stand and take little steps. This was followed by starting to eat. She can now hold a short conversation and has returned to mainstream school for two days a week.
In September Coco travelled to Sheffield for 'Gamma Knife' Radiotherapy to destroy the AVM (arteriovenous malformation) – the procedure was successful although it will take two years to know if it has worked.
Coco yet again showed her determination when she took part in a 2k Santa Dash in December with friends and family. Coco managed to walk most of the way and received huge cheers when she crossed the finish line.
