Children across the North East who have shown courage and great strength in the face of adversity, were recognised for in this year’s Brave Hearts Awards in Newcastle.
The Northern Echo attended to learn more about these remarkable youngsters and the intense challenges they have had no choice but to face head on.
The moving awards ceremony at St James’ Park involved each child receiving a crystal plinth and a gift of their choice.
Each of these 22 children from across the region has a unique story to tell and each has shocked their families with their strength of character.
11-year-old Jessica Hunter from Sunderland (Image: Cal Carey)
Five-year-old Charlotte Sibley from South Shields (Image: Cal Carey)
Six-year-old Bailey Gray from Newcastle (Image: Cal Carey)
Five-year-old Gracie Mae Hardstaff from Catterick Garrison (Image: Cal Carey)
Seven-year-old Adam Bannister from Gateshead (Image: Cal Carey)
12-year-old Lucy Coatsworth from Durham (Image: Cal Carey)
10-year-old Lewis Davies from Newcastle (Image: Cal Carey)
Six-year-old Amelia Miah from Newcastle (Image: Cal Carey)
Five-year-old Jaxen Judge from Eastgarth (Image: Cal Carey)
Six-year-old Seth Heighway from Consett (Image: Cal Carey)
13-year-old Zaid Nawab from Middlesbrough (Image: Cal Carey)
10-year-old Teddy Armstrong from Whitley Bay (Image: Cal Carey)
11-year-old Alfie Paton from Houghton Le Spring (Image: Cal Carey)
11-year-old Matthew He from Washington (Image: Cal Carey)
11-year-old Jayden Taylor from Middlesbrough (Image: Cal Carey)
14-year-old Zack Smith from Stockton (Image: Cal Carey)
12-year-old Bobby Jak Gardner from Newcastle (Image: Cal Carey)
15-year-old Tehilla Armstrong from Gateshead (Image: Cal Carey)
13-year-old Rocco Allan from Wallsend (Image: Cal Carey)
Five-year-old Jaxen Judge from Eastgarth (Image: Cal Carey)
A magician kept the children amused (Image: Cal Carey)
Jim Knight, trustee (Image: Cal Carey)
The Miah family (Image: Cal Carey)
Read next:
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