Thirteen Year Old Wins Hero Award for Supporting Sister in Cancer Battle

Declan helps his family a lot. His sister Holly has been sick since she was four. Toni, their mom, often visits the hospital with Holly. Declan does the washing for everyone, loads and unloads the dishwasher, and does other housework, too. He always asks if Toni needs help before he goes out.

Toni says she appreciates Declan’s help, as it makes things much easier. Declan handles many small tasks that take up a lot of her time. They must keep everything clean because of Holly. Declan’s help is very important.

Declan, who is thirteen, is participating in a Duke of Edinburgh Award. He enjoys PT sessions at the Joshua Tree, a charity in Sandiway that helps families with children battling cancer. Toni says Declan is awesome and always cares for and helps others.

This stressful time affects him too, but he does not always talk to Toni to avoid adding to her stress. Declan recently won a Young Hero Award. A friend nominated him. Toni cried when she learned about it.

The family traveled to Stoke-on-Trent for a black-tie event at the Hilton Hotel. Toni said Declan deserved the award. She found it humbling to meet other amazing people, including firefighters, at the award ceremony.

Toni was surprised to see a life-size cutout of Declan wearing his Air Cadets uniform. She had never seen a cutout of her son before. They even got to take it home after the event, and it briefly stayed in the living room.

Holly is five and undergoing chemo, but she is doing well despite it all. She has a few months of chemo left. Toni describes her as amazing, noting that you cannot tell she is sick. Holly’s hair is growing back now, and she is a bundle of joy.

The Joshua Tree commented about Declan, stating the award shows his strength. They are proud of his spirit and celebrate all siblings who show love and support. These siblings are resilient during tough times.