Seven-year-old entertains Prince Harry at awards

Prince Harry in a suit on a purple stage kneeling down and smiling next to Noah Nicholson who is wearing a grey suit and clutching his awardImage source, WellChild Awards
Image caption,

Prince Harry described Noah Nicholson from Grimsby (pictured) and other attendees at the awards ceremony as "little legends"

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A seven-year-old amused the Duke of Sussex at an awards ceremony by playfully throwing his toys on the floor and making him pick them up.

Noah Nicholson, from Grimsby, has complex medical conditions and took his comfort toys, including George the cat and Ratty the giraffe, to the WellChild Awards on Monday.

Prince Harry, a patron of the charity, laughed and chatted with Noah on-stage in London.

The annual ceremony celebrates the bravery of children and young people who live with serious illness or disability.

Image source, WellChild Awards
Image caption,

Prince Harry said the event "never fails" to inspire him

Before the ceremony started, Noah was delighted as Prince Harry took part in the lively exchange.

Noah's mum, Tracy Nicholson, 42, apologised for her son's antics, and Prince Harry responded: "Don't apologise, I love it."

Afterwards, Ms Nicholson said: "He's in constant pain but is always happy and smiley. He's just a very excitable boy and when he's around people he just loves it.

"Nothing ever gets him down, he never cries unless the pain gets the better of him. He's seriously ill fighting for his life so much, but he's so happy."

'Truly in awe'

Noah has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, short bowel disease and other serious health issues that cause him chronic pain.

He was born prematurely at 27 weeks weighing just 2lbs (907g) and has been in theatre 28 times with 14 life-saving procedures.

An 'Inspirational Child' award was handed to Noah, who was described by the charity as "frequently smiling and giggling, and never complaining, even when spending his Christmases and birthdays in hospitals".

Prince Harry spoke about his role as a father in his speech: "As a parent, I know a little about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting.

"But, when I hear about the care many of you mums, dads and family members provide; the level of round-the-clock care you offer; the skills you've had to learn; and the battles for support that you fight every single day - I am truly in awe."

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