THE nominees for the AIM Child of Courage Award are:

Abi Duffy

Just two months after being diagnosed with leukaemia, brave Abi Duffy showed a determination beyond her years to take part in the Race for Life.

It was a sign of the bravery that the 15-year-old St Cuthbert’s pupil has displayed since she was taken ill with the disease.

She steadfastly refused to give up, and was so keen to take part in this summer’s Race for Life at Haydock Park with her mum Debora that she left hospital on the morning, returning straight back after completing the event.

Abi has drawn admiration from friends, many of whom have showed their support through her fundraising and through messages of good-will.

 

 

Susanna Petersburska

It’s been a year since little Susanna Petersburska underwent life-changing surgery in America.

The six-year-old from Eccleston suffers from cerebral palsy and her one dream had been to be able to play with her older sister Maja.

Without the operation she faced a lifetime in a wheelchair and the use of a walking frame.

Her doting mum and dad, Monika and Andrzej, launched a breathtaking effort to raise the cash to take Susanna to Missouri last October.

Showing a fierce determination throughout the last year, the bubbly Blackbrook and St Mary’s pupil approached it with a big broad grin and continues to make steady progress.

 

 

Lauren Parker

Lauren Parker was born at 27 weeks weighing 1lb 11oz and has had to fight from the very beginning.

The 12-year-old has no fingers on her left hand, as the amniotic band had wrapped around her hand inside the womb.

Aged 17 months, Lauren was unable to walk and her doctors and parents were concerned about her progress.

She was diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy at two, caused by damage to the brain. This left her with weakness down the left hand side of her body.

Over the years she has undergone numerous operations and met each challenge with bravery and a positive attitude.

The Rainford High pupil says her orthopaedic leg brace is the ‘worst fashion statement ever’, but never lets it dampen her spirits.

Nominated by last year’s Pride of St Helens winner Andy Reid, Lauren has shown patience, perseverance and determination.