This year will be the ninth year that Charlotte Hawkins has presented the annual Ward and Partners Children’s Awards.

Despite numerous other charitable commitments, not to mention years of early starts on breakfast television and more recently the arrival of her baby daughter, she continues to find time in her busy schedule to support some of the county’s bravest and inspirational youngsters.

She says their determined attitude and ability to smile regardless of the gruelling challenges they’re facing is the reason she makes the journey year after year.

Click here to enter this year's awards.

She said: “It’s so humbling to meet them all and chat to their families.

“I know how much it means to them to come to the awards and get the recognition they deserve. That’s why I wouldn’t miss the day – it’s very special to be a part of that.”

So inspired by the hundreds of youngsters she has met in almost a decade, Charlotte agreed last year to become patron of north Kent charity ellenor (formerly the EllenorLions Hospices), which offers care and support to children and adults living with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.

Through her involvement with the Children’s Awards she became aware of the organisation’s work and so went to see first-hand the difference its teams make and in turn, what difference she could make by getting involved.

She said: “Their key aim is to treat children in their own homes and so try to keep life as normal as possible. You would think going to a hospice might be gloomy but there is such an uplifting and positive atmosphere at ellenor.

“The staff there are so caring and really make such a huge difference to the children and their families at such a difficult and traumatic time.”

It has also enabled Charlotte to come into contact with some families more than just the once.

“One family I met on several occasions was the Reads,” she said.

“They lost both their sons Sydney and Freddie at the age of three to a rare genetic disease.
They are such a strong family and I met mum Vicki and daughter Hattie again at an ellenor open day.

“Vicki continues to help support and fundraise for the hospice that helped them so much. I am so full of admiration for how they have coped as a family.”

'Every year I am always so touched by the stories and hearing about the difficulties and challenges faced by families'

Charlotte says the highlight of the awards is meeting the families and they help put ‘everything into perspective’.

When she presented the awards last October, the newsreader was expecting her first child with husband Mark Herbert. Their daughter Ella Rose was born in February.

So will the battles such young nominees are facing resonate more now she is a mum too?

“I am sure it will,” she admits as she goes on to explain that her ‘adorable’ baby girl is now giggling and trying to talk – moments she describes as ‘very special’.

“Every year I am always so touched by the stories and hearing about the difficulties and challenges faced by families. I think when you are a mum though, you can’t help but think about what it would be like if you were in that situation with your child.”

The professional presenter, who turned 40 last month, describes the annual awards ceremony as ‘emotional’ and admits to always taking a tissue with her to the stage.

She said: “It is hard when you’re reading out such heartbreaking stories of what children are going through. It’s also hard when the audience start crying – I do find it hard to stay composed.”

And while last year put her pregnancy hormones to the test will her journey into motherhood require an extra tissue this year?

“Last year was tough as I was pregnant,” she admits.

“But I think this year’s awards now I am a new mum will be even harder emotionally.”

Ward and Partners Children’s Awards

There are six categories open for nominations this year. Nominations can also be made online at www.kentonline.co.uk/wardawards

At the end of the nomination process, judges will view all of the entries before finalists are invited to a special awards lunch in the autumn.

And in a final plea to ensure no deserving child is forgotten, Charlotte Hawkins has this message for anyone considering making a nomination: “It makes such a difference to those who win an award to get that recognition.

"If you know a child who has been through a lot due to ill health or disability, a child who is caring for a relative, a family who is overcoming difficult or challenging circumstances, or a charity that supports children who face challenges in life, then now is your chance to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.”

The closing date for nominations is July 10.