A Lockerbie woman has received a top award from Prince Harry for her exceptional care of a child with complex health needs.
Anna-Marie McLachlan, who lives and works in Oxfordshire, was described as a real-life Mary Poppins.
She was presented with her WellChild Award from the Duke of Sussex who made a surprise visit to a ceremony at Kew Gardens in London on Wednesday.
It was also attended by celebrities including Ed Sheeran, Ronnie Wood, Amanda Holden, AJ Pritchard and Abby Quinnen and ended with an acoustic performance by singer Anne-Marie.
Anna-Marie was nominated for the Outstanding Professional Award by Camilla Park, who is the mother of 12-year-old Meriel whom she has cared for at their Oxfordshire home since 2012.
“I just do what I think is needed,” said Anna-Marie.
Meriel was born with a rare congenital muscle disorder, nemaline myopathy, which has led to severe skeletal muscle weakness.
She now requires ventilation 24/7 to assist her breathing and is reliant on a feeding tube for her nutrition.
Her family is full of praise for the way Anna-Marie has spent the past nine years determined to help Meriel achieve all her dreams, even in the face of considerable physical challenges.
With her help, she can now use a Powerchair to enjoy a more independent lifestyle and has tried everything from Guinea Pig therapy to swimming.
Realising Meriel’s passion for sport, Anna-Marie used it to motivate her and found ways to tweak everything from football and swimming to wall climbing to make it possible for the youngster to take part. Anna-Marie even drew on her own successes as a black belt in Shotokan karate to make the sport accessible to Meriel. Together they have successfully accomplished several fundraising challenges, starting when they created The Dream Stone Triathlon which culminated when Meriel reached the summit of Snowdon.
They have written and illustrated a book about their Dream Stone Challenge which is sold to raise funds for charity.
Meriel’s mum, Camilla, said she nominated Anna-Marie for the WellChild Award because she wanted to “recognise her outstanding support”.
She said: “Anna-Marie is a true Mary Poppins. She is a friend to us all and best friend and carer to our daughter, Meriel. Together they are unstoppable.
“Through Anna-Marie’s ingenuity and dedication, Meriel has achieved incredible heights in every way possible – physically, academically and emotionally.
“Anna-Marie has the most incredible, kind and caring spirit that far exceeds any professional I have met.
“This WellChild Award will give her the recognition she deserves and allow us to shout from the roof tops about her amazing abilities.”
And, in another tribute, Meriel affirmed how deserved she felt it was by saying: “You have given me life.”
The WellChild Awards celebrate the resilience of children living with serious illnesses or complex conditions and honour the dedication of those individuals who go the extra mile to help these children and their families.
He added: “I didn’t need to be a dad to feel the impact of this invaluable work. Now as a father of two, I feel all the more connected, inspired and in awe of the resilience of these families, who power through indescribable challenges with the support of WellChild.”
