00:03Good evening everybody, it's wonderful to be here with you all for the 20th annual World
00:08Child Awards, generously supported by our friends at GSK, who have been remarkably quiet this evening.
00:17There we go, three tables, much quieter, you've now committed for the next 20 years.
00:2420 years, that's quite something.
00:27Looking around this room tonight, I think most of you are proof that World Child just keeps
00:31getting stronger with age.
00:34For two decades, this event has shone a bright spotlight on the needs of children and young
00:39people living with complex medical conditions.
00:42But more than that, it has celebrated something far bigger.
00:46Your courage, your resilience, and the extraordinary love for the families and carers who never
00:52stop showing up for you.
00:54I still remember my very first World Child Awards 18 years ago.
00:59Before a beard, I had hair.
01:01You know what it's like.
01:04And I walked into the room and within about three minutes I realised two things.
01:09The love and energy in the room was powerful.
01:12And some two was the unpredictability.
01:14And second, that I was completely hooked on it all.
01:18This night has been the highlight of my year ever since.
01:21And it's all because of you guys.
01:23These children, this cause, and our World Child community.
01:28Thank you for showing us the light when all too often darkness can consume us.
01:34And so much has happened since those early days, for me, for you, and for World Child.
01:39The world has thrown a fair few challenges our way.
01:42But through it all, World Child has remained rock solid in its mission.
01:46To give children and young people with complex medical needs the chance to thrive.
01:51Not in hospital, but at home, surrounded by family, friends and community.
01:58And the growth of this charity tells its own story.
02:01Since those early days, 311 World Child Award winners have inspired us with their bravery.
02:07And today, a 53 strong team of World Child nurses are out there making an enormous difference.
02:15Add to that, a community of more than 3,600 families, plus support programs, reaching even further.
02:23And you see the real impact of what has been built here.
02:27More than ever, World Child's mission must be our shared priority.
02:32Tonight, I'd ask each and every one of you to think about how you can play your part.
02:38Whether through support, awareness, or action.
02:41Like one thing about at home, you're fully committed to that now.
02:47So help it plant this crucial work.
02:50As Patron, I couldn't be prouder to see how far this charity World Child has come.
02:55I want to pay tribute to everyone who's made that journey possible.
02:58Gary, and the people hiding in the corner, you are instrumental to this.
03:04And of course, GSK, who is in the next 20 years.
03:07Because our labouring support has been there not just for this night, but for the charity's work as a whole.
03:14Thank you for standing with us, shoulder's shoulder.
03:17And finally, to our winners tonight.
03:21This is your moment.
03:23While we reflect on 20 years of these awards, the truth is, you are the story.
03:29You are the reason that we gather here.
03:32Each of you is a beacon of hope and inspiration.
03:36Not just to those in this room, but to the nation.
03:40Keep fighting, keep smiling, and above all, keep showing us what strength, courage, and joy really look like.
03:48Thank you, and I'm going to have one for you.
