Award-winning Bristol girl loses brave battle

A five-year-old girl from Bristol who battled a rare genetic disease for most of her life has died – just a few weeks before she was due to pick up an award for her bravery.

Aimee Humphries was named as the Bravest Child in the national WellChild Awards and was due to collect her prize in London later this month.

But sadly Aimee, from Emersons Green, who had a metabolic disorder called Niemann-Pick Type C, lost her fight for life on September 8.

At six months old, Aimee was diagnosed with the rare disease, which can lead to neurological problems, enlarged liver and spleen and eye problems.

She coped well with the challenges her condition brought but shortly after she started mainstream school last year, the family were given the devastating news that Aimee also had cancer in her liver.

Her mum, Jackie, 39, nominated her daughter because she was an inspiration to everyone, and her bravery and positive attitude helped to keep the whole family going. The WellChild Award judges were told that Aimee showed amazing willpower through the challenges and setbacks of her tough treatment regime, and had been determined to walk again despite being bed-ridden for nearly a month.

Jackie, a legal secretary, said: "Aimee had real love and kindness for others, never giving a second thought to her own situation. She has kept us laughing when all we wanted to do was cry."

Jackie and Aimee's father, 42-year-old project manager Ian, will be at the awards on September 28.

Aimee is not the only Bristol child who has been recognised with one of the WellChild awards.

Nine-year-old Lucy Tutton from Filton was nominated by her teaching assistant Jayne Baxter, and has been named as the Most Caring Child. Lucy's five-year-old sister Sophie has a complex neurological disorder called Rett Syndrome which means she is completely dependent on other people for things like moving around and eating.

Lucy is a big practical help to her parents, Faith, 36, and Paul, 39, in caring for Sophie. She administers oxygen when Sophie is having a seizure, helps to calm Sophie and loves to read to her.

Jayne nominated Lucy for the award because she is a constant support to her family and never complains when Sophie's illness interrupts her own life.

The WellChild Award judges also learned how Lucy has raised money for charities which help Sophie and learned sign language to use with her sister.

Jayne said: "Lucy really deserves this award as she is a truly selfless, supportive and overwhelmingly caring little girl."