Pride of Essex Awards

Nov 23

This week was the Pride Of Essex Awards - Awards that recognise special people, of all ages, who have faced enormous difficulties with courage and determination, as well recognising those who have contributed significantly to the community.

Founder of Kids Inspire, Sue Bell OBE, nominated Maria and El this year and they were both shortlisted in the Child of Courage Award. On the night they received a ‘Highly Commended’ in recognition of the adversity they face and the strides they both take to overcome it.

Highly Commended: Maria Turkowska

Maria is 13 years old. Eight years ago, aged 5, she was involved in an accident.

Crossing a road with her father, she stepped out from a traffic island, catching her trousers under the wheels of a passing lorry, which span her round and round.

She has had over 50 operations since, missed primary school completely and spent much of her childhood in frames and casts.

She briefly attended secondary school part-time, but experienced difficulties and now stays at home.

In 2021, she was diagnosed with complex PTSD by ‘Kids Inspire’, where she receives therapeutic support. Maria’s parents describe her as 'very brave' and caring. She recently offered to donate her long hair to a children’s cancer charity who make wigs.

Highly Commended: El Coyle

El is 10 years old and has Escobar Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder featuring joint contractures and respiratory distress. He has regular infections, multiple surgeries, is in daily pain and had to shield during lockdown. Shielding prevented him from attending school despite having previously enjoyed it. Despite these challenges, El is extremely thoughtful, fiercely loyal to friends and family, empathetic and brave, being willing to engage with ‘Kids Inspire’ to secure the support he needs at this time of his life.

We are all so proud of Maria and El, they both work so hard everyday. Sue Bell OBE , had this to say:

“Maria and El’s story is one of extraordinary courage. I met them both through Kids Inspire, an organisation which supports children, young people and families who have experienced mental health challenges or trauma to live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives. However, our work would not be possible without the bravery of the young people themselves who, just like Maria and El, give meaning to all that we do. Maria and El’s story is inspirational and fittingly recognised by this Pride of Essex Award. Congratulations Maria and El!”

The awards evening itself was full of photos and fun. You can see familiar faces here.