Today we are pleased to announce Enoch Wisdom Membi as the winner of the Children’s Choice Award. Enoch’s story is captured below by journalist and TV Presenter Catriona Shearer.
Enoch Wisdom Membi is dedicating his Children’s Choice Award to all children with Sickle-Cell Anemia disease. The twelve-year-old, who himself suffers with the disease, is not only striving to overcome the complications of the condition but is striving to help others. “I want to be strong in my mind and body to fulfil my destiny. I work to encourage the children of my age to never give up.”
Enoch works with The Hope Project Scotland. The charity aims to advance health in Scotland for people suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia and other blood disorders by bringing them and their families together to eradicate isolation, social stigma, and prejudice. “I am a photographer for many of the events and I want people to know that we are normal children with dreams.”
The judges of the Scottish Children’s Health Awards thought Enoch was rather extraordinary by the fact he was nominated by his own sister, Hope. “The nomination shows the impact he has, both on his sister and other children” they commented. “And anyone who can get his sister to say such nice things about him must be someone special.”
Enoch didn’t know his sister had nominated him, so he was “thrilled and amazed” to find out he had won. “I don’t know what my sister told you, but this means a lot to me”.
Enoch enjoys football and video games. He’s also a keen photographer and enjoys travelling and meeting new people, which makes him a great ambassador for the Hope Project Scotland. But unlike a lot of twelve-year-olds, Enoch’s condition has meant he doesn’t take these freedoms for granted and his enjoyment of them can be curtailed because of the pain involved. He has a huge desire to help other children who experience similar symptoms to him. “I want to raise awareness in the country about Sickle-Cell disease, which touches a lot of children.”
We think you’re well on your way to raising awareness by winning the Children’s Choice Award and by the fantastic work you do with the charity, Enoch. Congratulations on your achievement.
Scottish Children’s Health Awards
The Scottish Children’s Health Awards have been created to celebrate courageous children and those who are making a difference to the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland. Relationships shape the way we see the world and affect all areas of our learning and development. The Children’s Choice Award is the chance to say “thank you” to someone special who has made a difference to your world.
