The Ward and Partners Children’s Awards, in their 12th year, recognise the achievements of children, their families and the charities that support them. Stephanie Rees, 10, was a winner in the young fundraiser category last year. Mary Louis caught up with her one year on.

Extraordinary Stephanie Rees is unstoppable on her mission to help others, with boundless energy and a host of imaginative ideas for raising cash.

Stephanie is only 10, yet in little more than a year has raised more than £3,000 for 20 charities.

She has done this by masterminding, running and participating in endeavours as diverse as a bungee jump, fashion show, online photographic competition and craft and cake sale.

Her latest event was a sponsored climb. Firewalking is a future fundraiser in mind.

Stephanie throws herself heart and soul into each project. She has stalwart support from her equally indefatigable grandma Julia Meager.

It was Julia who nominated the Kingsdown and Ringwould Primary School pupil for a Ward and Partners Children’s Award as a young fundraiser.

Stephanie lives with Julia and husband Peter near Deal and her grandma’s admiration is galvanised by knowledge of the past tough times the little girl has lived through, leading to a complete loss of her self-esteem.

With her family’s TLC, Stephanie has bounced back and her confidence has flourished. She is an able public speaker and has even sung solo on the streets of Deal for her causes.

Today Stephanie is all smiles, chat and enthusiasm – no wonder Julia is so proud.

A lion’s share of the cash she has raised has gone to her two special causes Kent Air Ambulance and the Rainbow Child Foundation (RCF).

Stephanie chose the air ambulance, inspired by help given to a friend seriously injured in a car accident.

RCF is a charity supported by the Face of the Globe (FOTG) international pageant for which Stephanie is a 2014 finalist.

She is bubbling with excitement about her half-term trip to Paris for the competition’s climax.

FOTG promotes natural beauty, with an emphasis on character and helping others at its core. RCF gives 100% of money raised to helping needy children worldwide.

Stephanie said: “I was upset children in poor countries do not have the same things as me, like clean water, proper food, toys and schools. I want to help make a difference.”

Closer to home, the former Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Carnival Rosebud has helped raise cash to treat Isabella, a terminally-ill three-year-old girl with Faversham connections.

Julia said: “Stephanie gives me a list of wacky ideas and we help her to put them into place.

“We nominated her for the award to let her see her efforts are worthwhile, she is such an exceptional little girl.

“She is always planning events for the future, although we do have to slow her down from time to time.”

Aspiring actress Stephanie is torn between archaeology and marine biology as future careers, but says she will probably opt for the latter because there are fewer spiders.

She described her reaction to hearing of her award: “First I was speechless, then I could not stop laughing, I had lots of happy emotions mixed into one. I felt like the happiest person in the world.”

Julia added: “It is important children are recognised for their achievements, whether it is coping with adversity, being a carer or a charity fundraiser. It encourages other children.”

For more information on the categories in this year's awards and to make a nomination, clickhere.