While celebrating the remarkable achievements of children and young people across Wales, the Child of Wales Awards is proud to partner with organisations that share our commitment to empowering, recognising, and rewarding young people for their outstanding sporting achievements. One such partner is Commonwealth Games Wales, whose support and dedication play a crucial role in honouring the young sporting heroes over the age of 13.
Join us as we shine a spotlight on Commonwealth Games Wales and their invaluable contribution as a sponsor of the Young Sporting Hero Over 13 category of the Child of Wales Awards 2024.
About Commonwealth Games Wales – sponsor of Young Sporting Hero Over 13
Commonwealth Games Wales is dedicated to promoting sports participation and excellence in Wales. Their sponsorship of the Young Sporting Hero Over 13 category reflects their commitment to recognising and celebrating the exceptional talents of young athletes across the nation.
Through its partnership with us, here at the Child of Wales Awards, Commonwealth Games Wales demonstrates its commitment to supporting young athletes and promoting the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and teamwork. This support enables us to highlight the achievements of these young sporting heroes, amplify our reach, and support our mission, for which we are deeply grateful.
Rebecca Edwards-Symmons, CEO, Commonwealth Games Wales, said:
“Commonwealth Games Wales is proud to stand alongside the Child of Wales Awards, celebrating the exceptional talent and determination of young athletes. Together, we can inspire future champions to reach for their dreams.”
Blanche Sainsbury, Founder of the Child of Wales Awards, added:
“We are thrilled to have Commonwealth Games Wales on board as a sponsor. Their dedication to promoting sports excellence aligns perfectly with our mission at the Child of Wales Awards. Through their support, we can honour the achievements of young athletes and encourage them to reach their full potential.”
As we celebrate the partnership between Commonwealth Games Wales and the Child of Wales Awards, we are reminded of the importance of supporting and celebrating the achievements of young athletes. Together, we continue to uplift and celebrate the incredible talents and achievements of children and young people across Wales. We look forward to continuing our journey of impact and inspiration with Commonwealth Games Wales by our side.
While celebrating the remarkable achievements of children and young people across Wales, the Child of Wales Awards is proud to partner with organisations that share our commitment to empowering, recognising, and rewarding young people for their exceptional courage.
One such partner is Westacres, whose support and dedication play a crucial role in honouring the courageous children under the age of 13.
Join us as we shine a spotlight on Westacres and their invaluable contribution as a sponsor of the Child of Courage U13 category of the Child of Wales Awards 2024.
About Westacres – sponsor of Child of Courage U13
Westacres is an associate company of Morganstone Ltd established in 2008. Its sponsorship of the Child of Courage U13 category reflects its commitment to recognising and celebrating the bravery and resilience of young individuals facing significant challenges.
Through its partnership with us, here at the Child of Wales Awards, Westacres demonstrates its commitment to supporting and uplifting courageous children. This support enables us to honour the extraordinary courage of these young individuals, amplify our reach, and support our mission, for which we are deeply grateful.
Tonia Morgan, Director, Westacres, said:
“Westacres is absolutely delighted to be sponsoring the Child of Courage under 13 category at this year’s Child of Wales Awards. We feel it is so important that the incredible achievements of some of our country’s most inspiring children are recognised. These awards provide the opportunity to shine a light on a group of incredible youngsters who demonstrate true ambition, courage, dedication and determination to overcome all adversities.”
Blanche Sainsbury, Founder of the Child of Wales Awards, added:
“We are delighted to have Westacres as a sponsor of the Child of Courage U13 category. Their dedication to supporting children facing challenges aligns perfectly with our mission at the Child of Wales Awards. Through their support, we can celebrate the bravery and resilience of young children and inspire others to overcome adversity.”
As we celebrate the partnership between Westacres and the Child of Wales Awards, we are reminded of the importance of supporting and celebrating the courage of young individuals. Together, we continue to uplift and celebrate the incredible bravery and resilience of children and young people across Wales. We look forward to continuing our journey of impact and inspiration with Westacres by our side.
While celebrating the remarkable achievements of children and young people across Wales, the Child of Wales Awards is proud to partner with organisations that share our commitment to empowering, recognising, and rewarding young people for the great things they are doing.
One such partner is Gower College, whose support and dedication play a crucial role in honouring the outstanding charities making a difference in our communities.
Join us as we shine a spotlight on Gower College and their invaluable contribution as a category sponsor of the Child of Wales Awards 2024.
About Gower College – sponsor of Outstanding Charity Award
Gower College is a further education college located in Swansea. It provides a wide range of courses and educational opportunities for students post-16, including A-levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and adult education programs. The college serves the local community and aims to support students in achieving their academic and career goals.
Through its partnership with us, here at the Child of Wales Awards, Gower College demonstrates its commitment to celebrating organisations that make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities across Wales. This support enables us to highlight the impactful work of these charities, amplify our reach, and support our mission, for which we are deeply grateful.
Mark Jones, Principal, Gower College Swansea, said:
“Gower College Swansea is once again delighted to be a sponsor of the Child of Wales Awards. As a College, we have always been committed to providing young people with support, encouragement and opportunities for a brighter future. Never has this been more important than during the past few very difficult years.
“We are proud to be associated with the Child of Wales Awards, which celebrate and honour so many inspirational young people, as well as the individuals, families and organisations that support them.
“Good luck to all the nominees and we really look forward to meeting you all in September!”
Blanche Sainsbury, Founder of the Child of Wales Awards, added:
“Celebrating the spirit of generosity and compassion, Gower College’s sponsorship of the Outstanding Charity Award embodies the essence of our mission at the Child of Wales Awards. Their commitment to recognising and supporting charitable endeavours resonates deeply with our values, and we are immensely grateful for their partnership. Together, we celebrate the remarkable impact charities make in our communities, inspiring hope and fostering positive change for future generations.”
As we celebrate the partnership between Gower College and the Child of Wales Awards, we are reminded of the power of collaboration in creating positive change. Together, we continue to uplift and celebrate the incredible achievements of children and young people across Wales. We look forward to continuing our journey of impact and inspiration with Gower College by our side.
Celebrating the remarkable achievements of children and young people across Wales, the Child of Wales Awards proudly collaborates with like-minded organisations that share our commitment to empowering, recognising, and rewarding youth for their outstanding accomplishments.
Among these valued partners is Swansea City Football Club, whose unwavering support and dedication play a paramount role in honouring extraordinary individuals who embody resilience, courage, and great talent. Together, we strive to spotlight and celebrate the inspiring efforts of these young change makers.
Join us in shining a light on Swansea City Football Club and their invaluable contribution as sponsor of our Young Performer award, at the Child of Wales Awards 2024.
About Swansea City Football Club – sponsor of Young Performer award
Founded in 1912, Swansea City Football Club has a rich history in Welsh and English football. Swansea City currently competes in the EFL Championship League, and has had several successful seasons, including a notable period in the Premier League. With an extensive history and affection deeply rooted within the local community, Swansea City continues to be a source of pride for Welsh football fans.
The club’s commitment to supporting the local community and giving back to its fans is at the heart of everything it does; as it has become renowned for its involvement in schools, charities and championing local initiatives with the club even donating proceeds from kit purchases to causes close to home.
Through its collaboration with us, Swansea City Football Club showcases its dedication to acknowledging and rewarding the talented youth of Wales who consistently strive for greatness. Their support enhances our awards, expands our outreach, and fortifies our mission, for which we are truly grateful.
Swansea City chairman, Andy Coleman, said:
“It is a privilege for Swansea City to be part of the upcoming Child of Wales awards as sponsors of the Young Performer category. Championing the local community is deeply ingrained within our club’s history – and what better way to honour that by recognising our nation’s young achievers.”
Blanche Sainsbury, Founder of the Child of Wales Awards, expressed her deep gratitude:
“We sincerely appreciate the generous support of Swansea City Football Club. Their commitment in giving back to the local community and, specifically, empowering and honouring young performers who strive to achieve their goals, aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Child of Wales Awards.”
As we celebrate the partnership between Swansea City Football Club and the Child of Wales Awards, we are reminded of how instrumental working together can be when creating positive change. Together, we persist in uplifting and celebrating the remarkable achievements of children and young people across Wales. We eagerly anticipate continuing this journey of impact and inspiration with Swansea City Football Club by our side.
To nominate a deserving Young Performer, click here
This past Thursday (April 4, 2024), we hosted our yearly sponsors breakfast at The Welsh House restaurant in Swansea Marina. We were thrilled to see all our fantastic sponsors under one roof; it was the perfect opportunity for our sponsors to hear about what lies in store for the 2024 awards and get to know fellow sponsors.
Our founder Blanche Sainsbury delivered a great presentation detailing the plans for the awards and the instrumental roles our sponsors play throughout – making sure to thank each of our partners for their generous and continued support.
Our sponsors are: Ascona Group, Bluestone, Blue Tiger, Budget Carpets, Commonwealth Games Wales Castell Howell Foods, DIY Kitchens, Gower College, Forrest Print, Mrs Buckét, Owens Group, Princes Gate, Trade Centre Wales, Thomas Carroll, Route Media, Swansea Bulding Society and Westacres.
Pepe Hart, an award-winning head teacher and our very own Advisor, also spoke at the event, explaining her role as chair of the judges. She also offered an insight into some of the incredible nominations received so far. The full list of judges will be revealed in due course.
The morning also allowed our sponsors to hear first-hand about the amazing charities they will be helping, through sponsoring the Child of Wales Awards 2024 – 2 Wish and Joseph’s Smile.
2 Wish was founded by Rhian Mannings MBE, following the tragic passing of her son George and husband Paul within days of each other. Driven by her personal loss, Rhian established 2 Wish with a powerful goal: to make sure that every family in Wales facing the sudden loss of a child or young adult gets the unwavering support they truly need. Through this remarkable charity’s work, Rhian has turned her own pain into a beacon of hope for others in their darkest times.
Joseph’s Smile was established in memory of Joseph Yeandle, who bravely battled stage four neuroblastoma before passing away in December 2021. The charity’s mission is to help lift the heavy financial burdens that families encounter throughout their child’s journey with illness. By supplying essential funds for medical treatments and equipment that aren’t accessible through the NHS, the charity ensures that families can dedicate their energy to cherishing every precious moment together. Joseph’s smile helps families every day – taking away the burden of extra fundraising while navigating their child’s care.
Rhian Mannings MBE, Founder of 2 Wish, and Katy Yeandle, Founder of Joseph’s Smile, both delivered deeply moving speeches. They spoke from the heart about the personal journeys that led them to establish their charities, the meaningful work they carry out, and the profound, life-changing difference their organisations make for those in need of support.
It was a powerful moment of connection, where sponsors could see the tangible difference, their involvement would make in the lives of families facing the illness or loss of a loved one.
Sponsors-Breakfast-6
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Child of Wales Launch at The Welsh House, SA1 Swansea 4th April 2024
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As we applaud the outstanding accomplishments of children and youth throughout Wales, we are delighted to partner with like-minded organisations who are equally devoted to empowering, acknowledging, and celebrating young achievers for their remarkable endeavours.
Among our esteemed partners is Castell Howell Foods, whose steadfast support is instrumental in recognising exceptional individuals who exemplify resilience, bravery, and empathy.
Come join us as we shine a light on Castell Howell Foods and its vital role as the proud sponsor of the Child of Courage category, at this year’s Child of Wales Awards.
About Castell Howell Foods – sponsor of the Child of Courage award
For decades, Castell Howell Foods has proudly supplied top-quality produce to businesses throughout Wales and the Southwest, solidifying its position as Wales’s largest independent food wholesaler. With a vast and loyal customer base, Castell Howell Foods have played a vital role in supporting Welsh businesses, Producers, and Communities.
At the core of Castell Howell Foods lies an unwavering dedication to upholding local communities and businesses, a commitment that resonates profoundly in its collaboration with us at the Child of Wales Awards. Its resolute support not only uplifts young achievers but also reflects its broader ethos of nurturing local initiatives and fostering growth within our great nation.
Haydn Pugh, Head of Sales and Marketing at Castell Howell, said:
“We are thrilled to sponsor the Child of Wales Awards. This event holds immense significance, and we are deeply honoured to contribute to the celebration of Wales’s youth. It’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
Blanche Sainsbury, Founder of the Child of Wales Awards, added:
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Castell Howell Foods for its generous support. Its dedication to helping the local community and, in this case, empowering and championing young individuals who demonstrate great courage in the face of adversity, aligns seamlessly with the ethos of the Child of Wales Awards.
“This partnership exemplifies just how powerful partnerships can be in fostering positive change. Together, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of children and youth throughout Wales, and eagerly anticipate our ongoing journey of impact and inspiration with Castell Howell Foods as a valued sponsor.”
To nominate an extraordinary Child of Courage, click here.
We are delighted to announce the two charities that will benefit from the funds raised at the Child of Wales Awards 2024: 2wish and Joseph’s Smile. Both of these charities have been set up by grieving families to honour their lost loved ones and support other families going through similar challenges.
Founded by Rhian Mannings MBE, 2wish is a bereavement charity established in memory of Rhian’s son George and husband Paul, who tragically passed away within days of each other. Motivated by her personal experience of loss, Rhian founded 2wish with a mission to ensure that all those affected by the sudden and traumatic death of a child or young adult throughout Wales receive the bereavement support they deserve.
2wish’s objectives include ensuring that every Emergency Department in Wales has a suitable bereavement suite for families, providing bereavement boxes, offering immediate bereavement support, professional counselling services, and support for witnesses of sudden and traumatic deaths. Through its tireless efforts, 2wish aims to provide comfort and assistance to families during their darkest moments.
Joseph’s Smile was established in memory of Joseph Yeandle, who bravely battled stage four neuroblastoma before passing away in December 2021. The charity’s mission is to alleviate the financial burdens faced by families during their child’s illness treatment journey. Joseph’s Smile provides vital funds for medical treatment and equipment not currently available on the NHS, ensuring that families can focus on spending precious time together without the added stress of fundraising.
The Yeandle family’s personal challenges and dedication to supporting families affected by childhood illness were recognised when they were awarded the Child of Wales Courageous Family Award in 2023. Through Joseph’s Smile, they continue to honour Joseph’s memory by offering specialised support to families in need.
Nominations are now officially open for the Child of Wales Awards 2024, which aims to shine a bright light on the remarkable achievements and resilience of the young people of Wales while raising vital funds for 2wish and Joseph’s Smile.
The awards encompass 11 categories honouring personal courage, bravery, sporting and creative achievements, as well as the commendable efforts of children championing causes in their communities, protecting the environment, caring for others, and fundraising.
The event features partnerships with Trade Centre Wales, as Headline Sponsor, and Blue Tiger and DIY Kitchens as other major event partners, along with media sponsors, Forrest Print and Route Media.
Among the category sponsors lending their support are Ascona Group sponsoring the Bravery Award & Courageous Family, Thomas Carroll backing the Young Fundraiser category, Swansea Building Society supporting the Community Champion award, Gower College endorsing the Outstanding Charity category, Princes Gate sponsoring the Young Sporting Hero U13 award, Commonwealth Games Wales supporting the Young Sporting Hero Over 13 category, Westacres backing the Child of Courage U13 award, Mrs Bucket sponsoring the Young Leader category, Bluestone National Park Resorts endorsing the Environmental Champion award, and Owens Group supporting the Young Carer category.
Blanche Sainsbury, Founder, Child of Wales Awards, said:
“We are honoured to support 2wish and Joseph’s Smile as our chosen charities for the Child of Wales Awards 2024. Their dedication to supporting families during times of tragedy and adversity is truly commendable, and we are proud to stand alongside them in our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people across Wales.”
Rhian Mannings MBE, Founder, 2wish Charity, said:
“We are grateful for the support of the Child of Wales Awards and its commitment to recognising the importance of bereavement support for families across Wales. Together, we can ensure that no family faces the devastating loss of a child alone, and that every bereaved family receives the support and care they need during their darkest moments.”
Katy Yeandle, Founder, Joseph’s Smile Charity, said:
“Joseph’s Smile is honoured to be chosen as one of the charities supported by the Child of Wales Awards 2024. With their help, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of families affected by childhood illness, providing vital support and assistance to those in need. Together, we can ensure that families facing unimaginable challenges receive the care and support they deserve.”
To find out more or to nominate a deserving young person, click here.
Dear Guests and Friends of The Child of Wales Awards,
After reviewing and taking some advice about the upcoming celebration of the Child of Wales Awards, It is with a heavy heart I write to tell you that due to the situation with the COVID virus we must postpone our event again on April 9th 2021. It really is sad as I know how much you, our winners, families and friends have been very much looking forward to celebrating.
With many events being cancelled this year despite the good news of the vaccine, it would seem sensible to move the event to 2022, the welfare of our guests and winners must come first. We have secured a date of January 21st 2022 at Celtic Manor and then we should be in a better position to enjoy the evening, hopefully without the worries of social distancing and mask wearing.
I have explored having a virtual event this year. However, feedback was overwhelming against this idea as many attendees are looking forward to getting dressed up for a night to remember celebrating with their families, colleagues and friends at Celtic Manor. A night to look forward to, in the diary, when everyone is able to meet again. We have some very special guests attending too, including famous sports personalities, and celebrities. We also have some wonderful video tributes to be played.
I wanted to also take this opportunity to thank you for your patience and understanding. How do we even begin to summarise the last 12 months? Words like “odd” “strange” and “unprecedented” feel entirely worn out by this point. But while the last year’s been unpredictable – we’ve been moved by your unwavering support.
Despite all that has happened we have had some highlights in 2020 with some of the children and young people attending the reception at Downing Street with families and also the fact we were able to donate some funds to our chosen charities NSPCC, Dreams and Wishes and Teenage Cancer Trust.
We will have our event and let us hope that in a year’s time there will be a better world – a world of optimism, stability, happiness, laughter and kindness – all the ingredients so appropriate to The Child of Wales Awards.
I would be very grateful for any feedback you may have.
Stay Safe
With Love
Blanche
The National Children of Wales Awards are thrilled to be supporting the NSPCC (The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), a charity campaigning and working in child protection in the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands.
The wellbeing of children and young people is central to what the NSPCC stands for. They have been operating for the past 100 years, relying on public donations for 90% of their funding.
Startling statistics show that 1 in 5 children across the UK will suffer from domestic abuse or neglect.
Rory was one of those children.
Ever since he was a young boy, Rory’s step-father would routinely abuse him.
He was a builder by trade, and his strength rendered Rory powerless.
His step-father would also sexually abuse his mother most nights, leading Rory to feel trapped and scared.
These experiences led Rory down a dark path of suicidal thoughts.
He explains one suicide attempt, saying:
“I jumped out of my bedroom window and broke my leg. He came outside, seen what I’d tried to do, laughed it off, and said I can stay there until I freeze. Then he slammed the door, and I slept outside that night with a broken leg.”
Rory explained that his step-father would give him a list of everything he had done wrong, and would force Rory to write him an apology letter.
When writing this letter, Rory had to hold one of his hands flat on the table. Whenever he made a mistake, his step-father would bend one of his fingers back until it popped. This led to Rory’s entire right hand being broken.
Throughout his abuse, Rory was told that if he said anything, his step-father threatened to murder his mother in front of him, and then murder him.
Rory’s ordeal finally came to an end when his step-father was arrested for trying to murder his mother and younger sister, as Rory’s auntie had caught him in the act.
The trauma resulted in Rory being diagnosed with severe depression, and led to another suicide attempt.
He decided to reach out to the NSPCC, and soon began regular counselling sessions which completely changed his life. Of these sessions, he said:
“If it wasn’t for the amazing counsellor at the NSPCC, I would either be dead right now, or in a very dark place.”
There are countless other children who, like Rory, have been through unimaginable trauma but who have found solace with the NSPCC.
Supporting the NSPCC is a very proud moment for us, and we hope that other children like Rory, who are too afraid to speak out, will find the help that they desperately need through this fantastic charity.
One of the four charities the National Children of Wales Awards is supporting is the NSPCC.
One in five children in the UK have suffered abuse or neglect and the NSPCC work tirelessly to protect children today and prevent abuse from happening tomorrow.
The NSPCC is driven to support children and young people who are subjected to abuse – they say, “as long as there’s abuse – we’ll fight for every childhood”. The NSPCC is a UK’s leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse – remaining committed to their mission for over 100 years.
90% of the charity’s income comes from public donations – which just shows how important it is to help continue to raise money for charities that so heavily relies on the public’s generosity.
One of the initiatives the charity runs is their ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ programme, which was successful delivered to 8,000 schools in 2017. As part of this initiative, the charity’s specially trained staff and volunteers hold interactive assemblies and workshops, with the help of their mascot, Buddy. They cover topics like bullying and abuse, but without using scary words or adult language.
The charity holds presentations in assemblies for children aged 5-11, where pupils can learn about the different types of abuse, in a child-friendly and age appropriate way. The presentations are followed by a one-hour classroom workshop for children in Year 5 and 6 (Wales and England) and P6 and 7 (Scotland and Northern Ireland). During the workshop, pupils explore the topics in more detail using engaging exercises to look at different situations to decide what’s OK and what isn’t.
Patrick Weaver, Assistant Director of Fundraising and Engagement (Communities) at NSPCC, comments:
We are delighted to be part of the inaugural National Children’s Awards of Wales and to be supported by the Bluestone Foundation alongside other great charities working hard on behalf of children in Wales.
One in five children in the UK have suffered from abuse and neglect. The NSPCC’s fights to change childhood by working to prevent abuse ever happening in the first place, to support children who have suffered abuse and to campaign to make safer childhoods for all. This work is only made possible through the dedication of our supporters.
Everyone here at the NSPCC Cymru joins me to say a huge thank you for this fantastic support in fighting to keep children right across Wales safe.
