Award delight for brave heart Josie
Dec 8 2006 By Daniel Thomson, The Journal
A vibrant teenager who has chosen not to have further cancer treatment, so she can enjoy the time she has left with her family, received an award for her bravery yesterday.
Josie Grove, 16, was one of 10 young people presented with a Brave Hearts Award at St James's Park for displaying exceptional character in the face of serious illness or injury.
The teenager, a talented artist and champion swimmer, was joined at the ceremony by her parents Cliff, 46, [correct] and Jacqui [correct], 44, and their other children, Freddie, 13, Libby, 11, and eight-month-old Charlie.
Josie, of Princes Street, Corbridge, Northumberland, was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago while her family were living in Thailand.
But after two bone marrow transplants and aggressive anti-cancer drugs proved unsuccessful, doctors told her the cancer was terminal.
She has now decided against any further treatment so she can enjoy the rest of her life without having to go to hospital.
Yesterday, Cliff and Jacqui, who are both jewellery designers, said they were incredibly proud of their daughter and paid tribute to the doctors and hospital who have helped care for her.
Cliff said: "We're overwhelmed. We're not used to this kind of attention, but it's lovely to think Josie has inspired so many people. We'd especially like to thank the NHS, which has been nothing but outstanding.
"We were also really pleased with The Journal's story about Josie. The photographs were lovely too, and showed how full of life she is. Josie really enjoyed her day."
Jacqui added: "I am so proud of her. She really deserved her award and it was a nice day for the whole family.
"The consultant who treated her at the hospital, and who has become very close to her, also took the time out of his schedule to come to the ceremony, which meant a lot to us." Social worker Jan McBride, who is based at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary, nominated Josie for the award.
She said: "Josie continues to display a spirit and determination which is an inspiration to all who know her."
Each of the 12 children who received awards at yesterday's ceremony were also presented with a gift by Newcastle United striker Giuseppe Rossi.
Among those presented with an award was Ryan Carter, 14, of Doxford Park, Sunderland, who endured bullying at school before being diagnosed with Birkett's Lymphoma in August 2005.
His parents Lisa Carter, 31, and David Hunt, 35, said they were extremely pleased their son's bravery had been recognised. Lisa said: "It's very hard and frightening for us, but Ryan has never complained.
"He had such a tough time when he was bullied at school and his illness has hit him very hard, but he just keeps going. He's so brave and we're very proud."
Brave Hearts chairman Robin Alexander [correct] said: "It is wonderful to be able to give something back to these amazing children and their families."
Brave Hearts is a North-East charity, based in Hexham, which aims to help children who have shown courage in battling illness, disability or other adversity.
It was founded in the 1980s in memory of Joanne Gillespie, an 11-year-old who endured two major operations and fought back against a recurring brain tumour.
