Madiee Merrick is the winner of this year’s Children’s Bravery Award, recognised for the incredible resilience, strength and determination she has shown throughout a lifetime of complex health challenges, while continuing to inspire everyone around her.
Madiee’s journey began the moment she was born. Diagnosed with gastroschisis, a condition where a baby’s intestines develop outside the body, she faced significant medical challenges from her very first days. What followed was a childhood shaped by hospital stays, major surgeries and medical investigations that most people would never experience in a lifetime.
For the first three and a half years of her life, Madiee remained in hospital and never made it home once. While many children were taking their first steps in familiar surroundings, Madiee was growing up surrounded by doctors, nurses and hospital wards. Yet even at such a young age, she displayed the determination and fighting spirit that would continue to define her life.
When she was just five years old, Madiee underwent a life-saving small bowel transplant. The operation offered hope for a better future, but unfortunately her challenges did not end there. In an incredibly cruel twist, she later developed cancer linked to the transplant itself and had to endure gruelling rounds of chemotherapy.
Despite facing years of treatment, procedures and uncertainty, Madiee has never allowed her circumstances to define her. Instead, she has become known for her positivity, kindness and unwavering ability to put others before herself.
Her mum, Alana, says that even during some of the most difficult periods of her life, Madiee has always focused on helping those around her.
Madiee takes everything in her stride and when she’s on the ward she will always go out of her way to play with anyone in the playroom.
Having spent so much of her childhood in hospital, Madiee understands exactly how challenging it can be for children and families facing long stays away from home. Rather than becoming discouraged by her own experiences, she has used them to support others.
Over the years, Madiee has become a familiar and much-loved face on Ward 3B. Whether sharing her favourite books, talking about films she enjoys or simply spending time with younger patients, she has helped brighten the days of countless children facing health battles of their own. Her warmth and positivity have made her a source of comfort and encouragement to many.
Those who know Madiee are inspired not only by what she has overcome, but by the way she approaches life. She faces every challenge with dignity, courage and a smile, never allowing her illness to get her down. Instead, she is determined to embrace every opportunity that comes her way and make the most of life.
For her family, that strength has been extraordinary to witness.
We are so proud of Madiee every day and to watch our daughter receive this award means the world to us. We’ve always known how special she is, now everyone can see too.
Receiving the Children’s Bravery Award is a fitting recognition of the challenges Madiee has faced and the remarkable attitude she brings to overcoming them.
Madiee deserves this award as it acknowledges how hard and different her life is, yet she never allows anyone to feel sorry for her. Madiee just gets on with life the best she can.
Now 16 years old, Madiee has finally been discharged home, although she continues to receive ongoing treatment while trying to enjoy the experiences of being a normal teenager. It is something many young people take for granted, but for Madiee every milestone has been hard won.
Through it all, she has remained positive, compassionate and determined, inspiring her family, medical teams and fellow patients alike. Her story is one of remarkable bravery, but also of kindness, resilience and an unwavering refusal to give up.
The judging panel was deeply moved by Madiee’s experiences and the courage, resilience and determination she has shown throughout her life. They were particularly impressed by the way she continues to support and encourage other children on the ward despite facing significant health challenges of her own, recognising her as an exceptional example of strength, kindness and bravery.
Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland, said:
Madiee’s story is truly inspirational. She has faced more challenges in her young life than most people could imagine, yet she continues to show extraordinary courage, compassion and positivity. What makes Madiee so special is not only her determination to keep going, but the kindness she shows to other children who are facing difficult times. She is a remarkable young person and a very deserving recipient of this year’s Children’s Bravery Award.
Madiee was delighted to celebrate her achievement at the Scottish Children’s Health Awards alongside fellow winners, families and supporters from across Scotland.
“Madiee was really excited about the award and couldn’t believe she had won it,” her mum explained.
Madiee’s courage in the face of extraordinary challenges, and her determination to continue bringing joy to others, make her a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Children’s Bravery Award.
Congratulations, Madiee.
Join Us for Scottish Children’s Health Week
The Scottish Children’s Health Awards are part of Scottish Children’s Health Week, a national celebration of children and young people’s health, wellbeing and rights.
From inspiring award winner stories to activities, resources and opportunities to get involved, Scottish Children’s Health Week shines a spotlight on the importance of ensuring every child understands their rights and has the support they need to thrive.
Whether you’re a child, young person, parent, carer, professional or supporter, we’d love you to join the conversation. Share your messages of support using #MyHealthMyRights and #SCHW2026, explore this year’s activities, and help us create a Scotland where every child is #HealthRightsAware.
Visit https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/scottish-childrens-health-week/ to learn more, download resources, and discover how you can take part in Scottish Children’s Health Week 2026.
Want to Nominate for 2027?
Do you know a child or young person who has shown extraordinary courage while living with a serious illness, disability or health condition?
The Children’s Bravery Award recognises young people whose strength, determination and resilience inspire everyone around them.
Nominations for the Scottish Children’s Health Awards 2027 are now open.
To nominate for the Children’s Bravery Award, visit:
https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/awards/childrens-bravery-award/
