AN ISLE of Wight mum who battled to make sure her daughter's short life was the best it could possibly be, has been recognised by a national charity for her dedication to improving care for seriously ill children.

Angela Turner, from Shanklin, was among the winners in the 2024 national WellChild Awards, having been nominated by her sister, Lisa Whitaker.

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She received her award from Prince Harry, the Duke of Wessex and WellChild patron, in a special ceremony held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, on Monday (September 30).

Prince Harry chats with award winner Angela and her sister, Lisa Whitaker, who nominated her.Prince Harry chats with award winner Angela and her sister, Lisa Whitaker, who nominated her. (Image: Chris Capewell)

Angela also got spend time talking to Prince Harry at a pre-ceremony reception.

The awards, run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children, celebrated the resilience of children and young people living with serious illnesses, or complex medical needs.

They also honour the dedication of individuals who go the extra mile to help them, like Angela.

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Angela campaigned tirelessly to improve care for children, like her daughter, Chelsea, who lost her brave battle with complex medical conditions last year, at the tender age of 11.

Throughout Chelsea's short life, she faced challenges living with conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy and chronic problems with her breathing, digestion and mobility.

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's children’s ward on the Island — all this while caring for 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 last year, the money they raised for a home sensory room for Chelsea — who loved bubbles, lights, and bright colours — was used, instead, to buy a portable sensory station for Barton Primary School in Newport.

The station is designed to benefit pupils with special educational needs.

Lisa, who nominated Angela for an 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 made such a difference to her and to so many children on the Island."