GROWING up can be tough for the fittest youngsters and test the strongest of families. Imagine how much harder it must be for those families with children who have physical or mental problems.

Ward and Partners run their annual children’s award scheme to offer such families help and encouragement.

The scheme is being launched for the fourth successive year and, once again, the Kent Messenger is helping to seek out and honour the courage of these remarkable people.

In those four years Ward and Partners, which has 50 offices across Kent and East Sussex, has pumped more than £600,000 into a charitable trust to help children in need.

The award categories, listed on the nomination form, which can be downloaded on this page, sum up the kind of people we are hoping readers will nominate.

* People like a 16-year-old girl, left blind and confined to a wheelchair by a series of nightmare illnesses, but nominated for courage by her teachers who marvel at her tenacity.

* Children like a boy who has endured a series of major operations on his malformed arms and legs but has raised money to help others through sponsored swimming.

David Lench, group managing director of Arun Estates, Ward and Partners parent company, said: "Many of the stories we received are very sad but we are constantly amazed at how these special children strive to overcome their adversity with enormous determination, and often with a huge smile.

"The directors and staff of Ward and Partners are privileged to do what they can to help."

Ward has also given Demelza House, the children’s hospice, more than £200,000 for a special playroom and provided the Ellenor Shining Lights Children’s Hospice in Dartford with funds for children’s nurses.

To nominate a child, please complete the form available below and send it to:

W&P Children's Award,
c/o Kent Cummunity Foundation,
Evegate Park Barn,
Ashford,
Kent TN25 6SX

Download child nomination form