Winners: Owen Targett, Freddie Hyde, Hannah Jayne Martin, Margaux Barker, Rosalia Daly- Maxwell

Once again, the Child of the Year Awards proved impossible for our judging panel to pick a single winner, as all five nominees have shown such incredible courage and optimism in the face of hardship and adversity.

Believing their bravery should be an inspiration to us all, our judges decided to name Hannah Jayne Martin, Freddie Hyde, Rosalia Daly-Maxwell, Margaux Barker and Owen Targett the children of the year.

Samantha Jane Martin, whose daughter Hannah was born weighing less than a bag of sugar and has by the age of eight made a name for herself as a keen kickboxer, said: “We were always told we’d need a miracle for Hannah to be here, and we certainly got one.”

Freddie Hyde, aged seven, has battled leukaemia since his diagnosis last year, and his father Simon said: “We’re very, very proud for Freddie and the other children here on the stage today.”

Three-year-old Rosalia Daly-Maxwell was born with a tumour in her chest and has survived hours of surgery and chemotherapy to remove it. Her mother Natalie said: “It takes a lot of bravery for the parents going through something traumatic that any child goes through. We’re very proud of her.”

Owen Targett survived a potentially-fatal liver disease thanks to a transplant from his grandfather, and his mother Fleur told the crowd: “Owen’s grandad John is our hero, we love him. Without him, there’s a good chance Owen wouldn’t be here today.”

Myriam Barker, whose five-year-old daughter Margaux has just started school after a major heart operation, said: “It’s amazing, because she’s been through open heart surgery. It’s difficult as a parent to see your child go through that, but we’re amazed now she’s out the other side and she’s going to have a completely normal life.”

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