Inspirational Northampton girl, 6, to meet Prince Harry after winning prestigious national award

Margot Jones-Billington has been named winner of the Inspirational Child, Aged 4-6 category at the 2026 WellChild Awards after being nominated by her mum, Laura.

Margot will receive her award at a ceremony in London on September 21, where she will meet WellChild patron Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, during a private reception.

Born in September 2019, Margot was just 20 months old when she suffered a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM), causing a massive brain bleed and stroke.

She suffered cardiac and respiratory arrests but survived and began what her family describes as a lifelong journey of recovery.

Margot now lives with complex medical needs including epilepsy, dystonia, hemiplegia, cortical visual impairment and global developmental delay.

She uses a wheelchair and splints, needs constant support with everyday activities and is cared for by around 35 specialists.

Despite the challenges she faces, Margot has spent thousands of hours relearning how to move, communicate and interact with the world.

Music therapy and specialist support have helped her progress, alongside hippotherapy, Riding for the Disabled and specialist education.

Her family said Margot's determination to be as independent as possible is summed up by her favourite phrase: “Mummy, I do it myself.”

Laura said: “We are absolutely thrilled for Margot to be recognised by WellChild.

“This nomination is such a wonderful celebration of how far she’s come, and we hope it gives her an extra boost of confidence and shows her just how truly remarkable and brave she is.”

Now in their 21st year, the WellChild Awards celebrate seriously ill children and young people as well as the families, carers and professionals who support them.

WellChild chief executive Matt James said the charity was “delighted to celebrate Margot as one of this year's deserving winners”.

Margot was chosen from hundreds of nominations from across the UK for the courage, determination and positivity she has shown.