Shanklin mother Angela Turner has been named as a winner in the prestigious national 2024 WellChild Awards, having been nominated by her sister Lisa Whitaker.
She received her award in London on September 30 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London and spent time with WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex.
The Awards are run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children.
Angela campaigned tirelessly to improve care for children like her daughter, Chelsea, who sadly lost her battle with complex medical conditions last year at the age of 11.
Angela was picked from hundreds of nominations from across the UK to win the category of Parent Carer.
Throughout Chelsea Turner’s short life she faced challenges living with conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy and chronic problems with her breathing, digestion and mobility.
There by her side was the positive influence of her mother, Angela, who dedicated herself to making every day the best it could be for Chelsea and others with similar conditions.
Angela quietly battled to change attitudes and fundraised to provide vital support.
She even spearheaded a campaign to have a hoist and washing facilities installed in St Mary’s Hospital children’s ward while looking after Chelsea who was seriously ill at the time in an intensive care ward on the mainland.
Shortly after Angela and Chelsea’s father, Matthew, lost their daughter in July 2023, they succeeded in raising money that had been planned for a home sensory room for Chelsea who loved bubbles, lights and bright colours.
Instead they used the funds to buy a portable sensory station for Barton Primary School to benefit pupils there with special educational needs.
Lisa who nominated Angela for a WellChild Award said:
“Angela is truly an inspiration, turning so many negatives into positives.
"She really deserves this recognition for everything she has done through her love of Chelsea which has made such a difference to her and to so many children on the island.”
The event, which was also attended by celebrities including Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, KSI and Oti Mabuse with performances from Beverley Knight MBE and Pixie Lott and was hosted by Gaby Roslin.
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