Prince Harry will meet inspirational Birmingham teenager Ansel Hayward
Prince Harry (Image: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
Prince Harry was due in London tonight to meet a remarkable teenager from Birmingham.
The Duke of Sussex was set to meet Ansel Hayward, 13, who is deaf, autistic and lives with a rare disease, severe epilepsy and a tracheostomy.
His seizures can last for hours and often see him needing emergency hospital care.
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Despite this, the brave teen was said to always focus on living life to the fullest.
Tonight, September 8, Ansel was due to receive a WellChild award at a ceremony held in the capital shortly after meeting Harry at a private reception.
Ansel was chosen from hundreds of nominations from across the UK to win the Inspirational ‘Young Person 12-14 Years Award’ which recognises his bravery in the face of his medical complexities.
Ansel, praised for his compassion, has a deep love for animals, nature and the environment.
He enjoys litter picking, recycling, and finding creative ways to reuse everyday items.
Ansel Hayward from Birmingham has been named as a winner in the prestigious national 2025 WellChild Awards(Image: Ansel Hayward)
WellChild patron Prince Harry said: “I am always privileged to attend the awards and meet the incredible children, families and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit.
“For 20 years these awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers – family and professionals – who support them every step of the way.
“Their stories remind us of the power of compassion, connection and community.”
Claire Watson, who nominated Ansel for the 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.”
Ansel was due to receive his award at the special star-studded ceremony at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel.
Celebrity guests at last year’s event included Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Rylan Clark, KSI, Beverley Knight MBE and Pixie Lott.
Now in its 20th year, the awards are run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children and celebrate the inspirational achievements of seriously ill children and those who care for them.
WellChild chief executive Matt James said: “Young people like Ansel embody what the WellChild Awards are all about – strength, compassion and the will to thrive in the face of adversity. We’re proud to have been celebrating their incredible stories for the past 20 years.”