Dad's award for helping sick children

Craig Hatch, of Broughton Cross, has been named as a winner in the national WellChild Awards.

Mr Hatch is one of a small group of parents across the UK who launched the campaign #notanurse_but.

He has been given a special recognition award.

It is aimed at raising people's awareness of parents and family members who act as carers in their own homes.

Due to his work on the campaign, Mr Hatch, 51, his wife Ellis and son Fraser, were due to travel to London on Monday for the WellChild Awards, attended by patron Prince Harry and other celebrities.

Fraser has cerebral palsy and every day involves complex medical procedures and an exhausting care regime.

Mr Hatch said: "Over the past few years, Fraser has been through a lot of problems, but recently has improved.

"While still having complex needs and enduring his fair share of pain he is enjoying this better period.

Travelling to London for the WellChild Awards is an experience we will never forget."

Fraser, who attends Mayfield School in Whitehaven, requires 24-hour care, provided by Mrs Hatch with support from the rest of the family including his siblings Eleanor, Ewan and Alexander.

He also has a team of carers and the family receives the occasional respite from Jigsaw Children's Hospice.

Mr Hatch said it was great to get the recognition of a WellChild Award, for the campaign.

He added: "We have been delighted with the success of the campaign so far, which has received overwhelming support from families of children with exceptional health needs and from professionals working with these children who have also told us how important it is to highlight what families are doing to keep their children at home."

WellChild's head of family services, Hannah Bemand, said: "Without these parents spearheading this campaign and being brave enough to share what happens behind closed doors of their homes, this campaign wouldn't have been as successful as it has been or possible even have come about at all."