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.

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo: 11-year-old Jessica Hunter from Sunderland11-year-old Jessica Hunter from Sunderland (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: Five-year-old Charlotte Sibley from South ShieldsFive-year-old Charlotte Sibley from South Shields (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: Six-year-old Bailey Gray from NewcastleSix-year-old Bailey Gray from Newcastle (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: Five-year-old Gracie Mae Hardstaff from Catterick Garrison Five-year-old Gracie Mae Hardstaff from Catterick Garrison (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: Seven-year-old Adam Bannister from Gateshead Seven-year-old Adam Bannister from Gateshead (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: 12-year-old Lucy Coatsworth from Durham12-year-old Lucy Coatsworth from Durham (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: 10-year-old Lewis Davies from Newcastle10-year-old Lewis Davies from Newcastle (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: Six-year-old Amelia Miah from NewcastleSix-year-old Amelia Miah from Newcastle (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: Five-year-old Jaxen Judge from EastgarthFive-year-old Jaxen Judge from Eastgarth (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: Six-year-old Seth Heighway from ConsettSix-year-old Seth Heighway from Consett (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: 13-year-old Zaid Nawab from Middlesbrough13-year-old Zaid Nawab from Middlesbrough (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: 10-year-old Teddy Armstrong from Whitley Bay10-year-old Teddy Armstrong from Whitley Bay (Image: Cal Carey)

 

The Northern Echo: 11-year-old Alfie Paton from Houghton Le Spring11-year-old Alfie Paton from Houghton Le Spring (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: 11-year-old Matthew He from Washington11-year-old Matthew He from Washington (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: 11-year-old Jayden Taylor from Middlesbrough11-year-old Jayden Taylor from Middlesbrough (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: 14-year-old Zack Smith from Stockton14-year-old Zack Smith from Stockton (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: 12-year-old Bobby Jak Gardner from Newcastle12-year-old Bobby Jak Gardner from Newcastle (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: 15-year-old Tehilla Armstrong from Gateshead 15-year-old Tehilla Armstrong from Gateshead (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: 13-year-old Rocco Allan from Wallsend13-year-old Rocco Allan from Wallsend (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: Five-year-old Jaxen Judge from EastgarthFive-year-old Jaxen Judge from Eastgarth (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo: A magician kept the children amused A magician kept the children amused (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo: Jim Knight, trusteeJim Knight, trustee (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo: The Miah familyThe Miah family (Image: Cal Carey)

The Northern Echo:

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