The bravery of a Larkhill family has been celebrated at a star-studded awards ceremony.

The Byrne family, who have been raising money for charity since two of their children died from the same congenital disease, were recognised with the Courageous Family Award.

Their determination was recognised at The Child of Britain Awards, a national awards ceremony celebrating the courage, fortitude, talents and triumphs of exceptional British children.

The awards ceremony, hosted by Eamonn Holmes, took place last night (Friday, June 24) at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Shortly after meeting ten years ago, Sophie and Sean Byrne had their first daughter, Olivia, who was born with many medical needs, and she lost her life at just eight months old.

After reassurance, they went on to have Harry (eight), Reuben (two) and Felix (fifteen months).

Reuben was born with the same medical condition as Olivia. Reuben died in December last year.

They have focused on raising money for the charities that have supported them, including Julia’s House children’s hospice.

They have raised more than £51,500. Harry always said to Reuben, ‘I love you to the moon and back’, and set himself the mission of trekking through a variety of activities to accomplish the distance around the moon.

The family scaled more than 7,000ft to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge last month.

Eight-year-old Harry vowed he was “going to climb a mountain for Reuben” after his brother died before Christmas last year.

Speaking about the event, host Eamonn Holmes said: “The World is a scary place at the moment and must be more so for children. These awards are in praise of all these fine young people, who have so many incredible stories to tell.”

Among the celebrities present on the night were musical superstar Calum Scott. Along with Gloria Hunniford,  Olympian Colin Jackson, Stuart and Doreen Lawrence, Abbie Quinnen, AJ Pritchard, Mark Sears, Charlie Brooks, Tilly Lockey, Isabella Signs, Tilly Keeper, Shaheen Jafargholi, Claire Sweeney, Sherrie Hewson, and Bear Grylls to name just a few. 

 

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