Around 150 specially invited guests came along to the ceremony, which took place at East Sussex School of Circus Arts in the middle of the Sussex countryside.
The evening was presented by Tom and Lyndsey from the famous More Radio Breakfast Show and all the guests, sponsors and, of course, the winning children and their families, spent the evening alongside circus performers, activities including crazy golf, laser tag and giant Jenga, not to mention free ice cream, popcorn and candy floss!
The eleven awards were handed out during the evening to celebrate the achievements of some incredible young people, all of whom had uplifting stories that reflect their amazing qualities.
As the charity partner for the event, Rockinghorse CEO Donna Holland was on hand to give out the award for the Fundraiser of the Year. The winner was 12-year-old Lily Isabella Porter from Hastings.
Lily has been fundraising for several cancer charities, including the Azaylia Foundation, over the last few years, completing challenges such as marathon swims, climbing Ben Nevis and Mount Snowdon, cycling, triathlons and Hastings to Geneva 523 mile mega cycle in 9 days. Lilly was the youngest British Citizen to complete this mega cycle.
Lily previously explained why she fundraises so much, “Helping those who need it most gives me a lot of energy and determination to try my absolute best.
“The thought of all of the sick children in the hospitals and those at home is very sad and I believe all children should have the best treatments in order to get better. All children should be smiling and laughing, and I hope my journey can make at least one child smile.”
Donna said, “It’s wonderful to be celebrating these incredible children. Through our charity we work with amazing young people every day, so it’s an honour to celebrate them and be inspired by all the brilliant things they do.”
Natalie Cronin, Head of Partnerships and Engagement at Rockinghorse added, “We were honoured to be chosen as the charity partner for this year’s Child of Sussex Awards.
“The event was humbling, heartfelt and truly inspirational, with every single child being a well-deserved winner. It’s wonderful that there are such amazing children out there, who so selflessly give their time for good causes, to care so well for their family, or who are fighting illness.
“There was not a dry eye in the house on Friday, and the children all had a fabulous time, despite the drizzle outside!”
Congratulations to all the winners!
