Olivia is our Kid of Courage

Elaine Grundy • Published 26 Aug 2010 14:00

BRAVE Olivia Caldwell was last night crowned the Tele’s Kid of Courage - after her twin nominated her for the award.

The 10-year-old landed the gong in a fun-packed awards ceremony at Funworld.

Six other brave youngsters were also acknowledged with runner-up trophies and a score of other prizes.

Born 12 weeks early, Olivia, far left with sister Lucy, battled through 15 operations on her heart, one on her stomach, suffered a brain haemorrhage, a heart attack and beat the superbug MRSA.

Despite her illnesses, she recently fulfilled her dream to ride a bike - by practising when no-one was looking.

Olivia’s grit and determination touched the hearts of our judges.

Her sister Lucy also received praise for being such a huge support system in her sister’s life.

At the awards ceremony, Olivia, from Inverkip, said: “I was happy to get into the final. I feel really excited.”

Lucy added: “It is great. She has been through so much.”

Her dad, Frank, 46, said: “I am overwhelmed and full of pride. Lucy has done the journey with Olivia. Every time Olivia is in hospital, Lucy is there.”

Mum Kelly, 42, said: “It was Lucy who started all of this and we are proud of her for thinking of her sister and doing it. We are touched that Lucy sees her twin sister has so much courage.”

Olivia has won a private party for 25 children at Funworld, which all her new Kids of Courage pals will attend after she kindly invited them, and she will also help Provost Michael McCormick switch on Greenock’s Christmas lights this year.

Tele editor Wendy Metcalfe, who presented Olivia with her stunning glass trophy sponsored by Timpson’s, said: “Our Kids of Courage finalists were all winners. Picking just one was very difficult, but Olivia is outstanding.”

The brave finalists were: James McKee, eight, of Greenock, who has spina bifida and is recovering from his 12th operation; Chloe Donald, five, of Greenock, who has undergone three life-saving heart operations; Jack Pears, four, who lives in Port Glasgow, and has cerebral palsy and a genetic dental condition; Lauren Porteous, 11, of Greenock, who has had to endure five painful operations to straighten her legs and faces further surgery but recently fulfilled her dream to go abseiling; Nathan Fitzharris, 10, who lives in Greenock, and has lost his hair twice through unexplained alopecia; and Toby Moore, eight, of Greenock, who has cerebral palsy and is waiting for surgery to release tendons so he can place his feet flat on the floor. Despite his difficulties, he is a talented swimmer. Our finalists were the first visitors to see Funworld’s expansion programme, which is now open and features a mini race-track and new cafe.

All our finalists will be invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of the sweetie factory run by Golden Casket. The six runners-up also got family tickets to Funworld’s Hallowe’en party, Millions and toys from Golden Casket and framed copies of their Tele stories.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 26 Aug 10

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