Child of Courage

I've written about my cousin Colin and his wife Cath, and their daughter Helaina before.

Here they are: Cath on the left, Colin far right. Helaina's the one in the middle doing a demonstration of the phrase "grinning from ear to ear."

She's thirteen, and has Costello's syndrome, which is a very rare genetic condition that results in various physical problems, including heart defects, tumours and curvature of the spine, as well as learning difficulties.

She's had countless operations but her naturally cheery nature, coupled with her parents' incredible caring optimism, have brought her through them all. She seems totally accepting of everything that's happened to her, and her natural happiness is a real lesson to us all.

Emily studied Helaina's language development as part of her A-level English Language, and found it fascinating - we were very grateful to Helaina, Cath and Colin for their help.

Helaina's just been chosen, from 500 children, as one of this year's Children of Courage. These annual awards, initiated by Woman's Own magazine, have been taking place since 1973, and ten children every year are chosen. There'll be a ceremony in Westminster Abbey on December 12.

So Helaina's on the front cover of this week's Women's Own (dated December 10) and there's an article about her inside too.

That's it really. I just want to say I'm really proud to be related to Helaina and her parents. Congratulations to them all. There's a time to be soppy and emotional, and this is it.