A 10-year-old boy from County Durham has been recognised with a prominent award at the 2026 WellChild Awards, an annual event supporting seriously ill children across the UK. William Messer, from Stanley, received the Inspirational Child Award for ages 7 to 11 during a ceremony held on September 21 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
William, who lives with a number of complex and rare health conditions including Crouzon syndrome, a leg deformity requiring full-time wheelchair use, and additional challenges affecting his mobility, hearing, and skin, was honoured for his resilience and positive attitude following major craniofacial surgery. Despite the difficulties of recovery, he demonstrated remarkable courage and adaptability during months of rehabilitation.
In addition to his own health battles, William is an active advocate for disability sports and has achieved success in wheelchair rugby, swimming, karate, and frame football. He also devotes time to raising awareness through fundraising and public speaking and has volunteered to support a fellow child facing similar surgery. The judges highlighted his determination to inspire others as a key factor in his selection for the award.
William’s father, Gary Messer, praised his son’s strength and character, saying, “William is my hero. I am in awe of his strength and character. I cannot express how challenging things have been for him, but he’s overcome everything with an amazing attitude, always thinking of others and inspiring not just me and our family but everyone he meets.”
The awards ceremony was attended by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who serves as a patron of WellChild. In remarks at the event, Prince Harry emphasised the importance of recognising the exceptional resilience of children living with complex medical needs and the families who support them. “The WellChild Awards are a very special evening because they give us the opportunity to celebrate an extraordinary group of children and young people living with complex medical needs, as well as the families who support them,” he said.
Matt James, Chief Executive of WellChild, described the event as a critical moment to acknowledge the bravery and achievements of these children and their caregivers. He noted the growing need to raise awareness about this often under-recognised group and the value of providing them with a platform on a national level. “Alongside our Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and our valued supporters, we can give these families a platform to be seen, heard and felt on a national level,” James said.
Prominent guests at the well-attended evening included Dame Kelly Holmes, Gok Wan, McFly drummer Harry Judd, and Peter Andre. The event was hosted by WellChild ambassador Gaby Roslin. The WellChild Awards, in their 21st year, continue to spotlight the courage and achievements of seriously ill children and their families throughout the United Kingdom.