Royal seal of approval for national award-winning health care support worker

A Senior Health Care Support Worker specialising in working with children with complex needs has been named as a winner in the prestigious national 2025 WellChild Awards.

Jackie Sumner was chosen from hundreds of nominations from across the UK to win the Outstanding Professional Award, and spoke about her pride and ambitions with Prince Harry after receiving the award.

Jackie has been part of the Children’s Community Team in Flintshire for 19 years and thinks the award is real reflection on the impact the team has on the lives of many young people and their families.

The award was presented at a special star-studded ceremony in London, where she Jackie met WellChild Patron Prince Harry at a private reception ahead of the event.

Jackie said: “It has been a massive honour to receive this award and great to see the work this team does being recognised. We are only a small team and it makes me so proud the support we provide has been shared for others to see.

“I work with children who have complex needs and their families and it is such a privilege to be a part of their journey. It is a really rewarding role and I get to work with such inspiring young people.

“It was amazing to meet Prince Harry, although quite surreal. He was lovely and really positive about the work we do. He also shared his own ambitions to help support young people and it was amazing to have a common cause we could talk about.”

As part of her role, Jackie provides care in homes, schools and across the community. Her colleague, Amanda D’Arcy nominated for the award for always going above and beyond to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and truly seen.

Amanda said: “Jackie works over and above her job role and deserves for her hard work, care, compassion and dedication to be acknowledged. Jackie can shy away from praise and compliments; however, I feel a Wellchild Award will illustrate to her what a positive impact she has had, and continues to have, on the children and young people she supports, as well as their families and the team she works in.”

More details about the awards can be found on the WellChild website.