WARD & Partners is asking for your help in recognising the trials and triumphs of severely ill children and their carers across the county.

The Ward & Partners Annual Children’s Awards are being held in conjunction with the Kent Messenger Group.

Now in its third year Ward & Partners Children’s Award is once again looking to honour children in Kent who have shown special courage and dedication.

"The drive to support charity forms an important part of the company’s ethos," says managing director David Lench. "In particular, the children’s awards help us and the wider community to recognise the courage and determination of certain children who have bravely overcome immense adversity to get on with their lives.

"In our work with the Kent Messenger and with the award families, we have all been deeply touched by the immense fortitude and courage demonstrated by those with severe and debilitating illness, and those who look after them."

The company’s charity policy is enshrined in the Ward & Partners Charitable Trust, whose objective is to help children with special needs, both mental and physical.

More than £400,000 has so far been contributed to the trust, which is administered by the Kent Community Foundation, a charity which supports good causes in Kent.

The trust has helped a variety of causes and individuals. In 2004, Ward & Partners donated £215,000 to build a new specialist playroom at Demelza House children’s hospice, near Sittingbourne.

The play room, double the size of the former play room, is padded and adapted to cater for a variety of conditions. The move at Demelza also allows conversion of the loft area above the playroom into a relaxation area for adolescents at the hospice.

Ward & Partners is also a regular supporter of Macmillan Cancer Relief, and takes part in the charity’s annual coffee morning.

Other causes supported include Kent Kids Miles of Smiles, Kent Goldilocks Family Association and Ellenor Shining Lights Hospice, Dartford.

The children’s award categories are: triumph over adversity; music; visual or performing arts; sports; the Ellenor Shining Lights Good Carer Award.

To nominate a child, download and complete the form below.

Please send completed forms by Friday August 5, 2005 to:

Ward & Partners Annual Children’s Award,
8 Market Place,
Faversham,
Kent ME137AG

Download nomination form