Inspirational young heroes crowned at Child of Wight Awards 2022

The awards, sponsored by WightFibre, were hosted by radio’s Paul Topping and Heather McCallum.

Simon Apsey, who lost his Nanny and Grandad (Ray and Rosemary Scovell) to Covid within weeks of each other, won the Asa Singleton Most Courageous Child Award after helping organise and perform a tribute concert for his grandparents.

Young Carer Award went to Dottie-Rose-Wagstaff, 10, who helps her mother, Tracey, who suffers from degenerative disease.

Dottie will feed her mum’s ability dog, clean up around the house and provide her mum with lots of love and care when she cannot get out of bed.

Jasmine, Fleur and Obie Woodward won Fundraiser of the Year Award, raising £1,600 for Prostate Cancer UK by walking 25,000 steps every day through March.

Made a Difference Award was won by Macie-Edkins Wherry, 16, who used money from her paper round to buy cards and gifts for care home residents who might not get visits at Christmas and Easter.

Ronnie Kidd, 8, won Best Brother Award after going out of his way to care for his big brother, who has a rare condition called Charge Syndrome.

Best Sister Award went to Mya Johnson, 6, who, despite suffering a rare genetic condition called Di George Syndrome, helps look after her little brother, who has been poorly since birth.

Harry Sheppard, 16, won the Sporting Star Award after he was accepted into the Hampshire County Championships for 100-meter Butterfly, winning his heat for his age group.

Winning the Best Friend Award, Barney O’Connor, 14, helps care for his brother, who has a learning disability and autism.

This year’s Top Performer Award went to Chloe Neale, who trains day and night in ballet, tap, modern dance, acrobatics, singing and piano – to name a few!

The winner of the Young Achiever Award, Kye Elliot, not only rides bikes at Speedway but also volunteers at the track every week.

The Overall Winner was Hartley Brett, who spent almost the first year of his life in hospital and has been back and forth on many occasions since being born three months early, weighing just 500 grams.

Overall Winner, Hartley Brett. Pictures courtesy of Robin Crossley.

Claire John, Isle of Wight Radio managing director, said: “It never ceases to amaze me how remarkable young people on the Island are.

“We had so many incredible nominations, and each winner is incredibly deserving.”

John Irvine, WightFibre chief executive, said: “Young people on the Island get bad press very often.

“Anyone who watches these awards will see that actually there are so many amazing young people, very deserving young people, here on the Island.”

Congratulations to all the inspirational young winners!