Birmingham patient receives recognition from Prince Harry
A Birmingham Children’s Hospital patient has been recognised for his bravery in a top awards ceremony.
Ansel Hayward, aged 13, was named as a winner in the prestigious national 2025 WellChild Awards – and got to meet Prince Harry during the ceremony.
The teenager, who suffers a number of medical conditions, was chosen from hundreds of nominations from across the UK to win the Inspirational Young Person 12-14 Years Award.
The Duke of Sussex met the youngster, who is deaf and autistic and lives with a rare disease, severe epilepsy and a tracheostomy, at the event in London.
His seizures can last for hours and often require emergency hospital care. Despite this, he shows remarkable bravery, making mature decisions about his treatment and always focusing on living life to the fullest.
He has been cared for at the hospital since he was a baby by multiple services, including the specialist Ear, Nose and Throat team and epilepsy unit.
Mum Claire Hayward shared: “Birmingham Children’s Hospital is our second home and we appreciate all the many teams who care for Ansel and for us.”
Known to be a kind and compassionate young man, Ansel has a deep love for animals, nature and the environment and enjoys litter picking, recycling, and finding creative ways to reuse everyday items.
Claire Watson, who nominated Ansel for a WellChild Award, said: “Ansel is such a selfless young man who has made some very difficult decisions to live his life to the fullest, even if that means his life is shortened.
“I think receiving a WellChild Award will help him to see what a brave young man he is, how proud his parents are of him, and also just how much he is loved and respected by his family, his local and wider community.”