SKIPTON youngster George Hall said accepting a WellChild 2023 Inspirational Award in the presence of celebrities including patron Prince Harry was ‘amazing, fantastic, cool and out of this world’, according to his grandmother, Nicola Garbutt.

She says George, 11, a pupil of Water Street School, has been an inspiration to everyone he has met. The school has been very supportive and he has been encouraged by teachers to achieve what he has so far, including cross country running.

Despite his array of medical issues including a tracheotomy, pacemaker and complete heart block, George’s spirit is unbreakable.

Nicola said: “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.”

She added after the event: “Everybody was so lovely. We sat with Tom Felton and Radzi Chinyanganya. Both were so lovely.

George talked to Prince Harry. They talked about football and George told him he liked Newcastle United and how he has an amazing doctor called Lee Macdonald at Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle.”

Nicola added: “It is with his encouragement and love of his wonderful parents Hollie and Jake, his brother Harvey 13, his wonderful carers, medical clinicians and other professionals he is the boy he is today. We are eternally grateful. “

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex said at the event: "For the years I’ve been Patron of WellChild, I’ve always been amazed by the care and kindness this organisation lives and breathes.

"I’ve spoken with countless families who have shared such gratitude for the comprehensive, around-the-clock support they’ve received from WellChild’s family network.

"I’ve been struck by the immense power that comes from connecting families with others who understand and truly see them – and how WellChild has become an emotional support and information lifeline for many during the pandemic and beyond. The fact this network has since grown to more than 3,000 families is nothing short of remarkable.”

WellChild chief executive, Matt James said: “The number of children and young people in the UK living with long-term, complex medical needs is growing.

"The WellChild Awards 2023, in association with GSK, is a unique opportunity to shine a light on the immense challenges they face and to celebrate their remarkable resilience and spirit.

"It also provides an opportunity to recognise the selfless dedication of those around them, from siblings and parent carers to the professionals who have gone above and beyond to give them the very best chance to thrive.”