Annabel Kiki – Dare to Dream Winner
A couple of months ago I heard I was a finalist in the 2026 Children of Courage Awards. My gorgeous friends Lily and Jess had seen some footage of the previous year’s ceremony and decided to nominate me in the ‘Dare to Dream’ category.
I thought it was such a sweet gesture and it really made me smile, but if I’m honest, I’ve not felt like a child for a very long time. In fact my childhood ended age 13 when I heard the words: “You have cancer. You’re going to lose your leg.”
If I’m honest, I’ve not felt like a child for a very long time.
It took my mum saying to me: “But you are still a child, Annabel, you’re only 17,” for me to feel comfortable enough to accept the nomination. I guess I’ve never viewed myself as a courageous child. I think I just accepted that my childhood ended abruptly one random Monday morning 4 years ago. And yes, in those 4 years I’ve managed to survive, A LOT, but I had no choice.
Anyway, I attended the awards excited to support all of the children who’d shown greater courage than I had. I had no speech planned, I was just there to enjoy the red carpet, the gorgeous three course meal and the extravagant raffle!
The hosts asked everyone nominated to come to the stage and I was the tallest by far, even amongst the adult chaperones!
And then came the results. There were some truly wonderful finalists in the ‘Dare to Dream’ category and I was so honoured to stand beside them… and I honestly couldn’t believe it when they called my name. Annabel Kiki winner of the 2026 Children of Courage Award!
Annabel Kiki winner of the 2026 Children of Courage Award!
In that moment I think I accepted that maybe I had shown some courage, and maybe the courage I’d shown could inspire other children to do the same. I knew I wanted to say something along those lines, and I think my words actually came out quite coherently!
The evening really did mean so much to me. I’ve had to be so tough and it’s been such a long journey. I’m just so grateful that I’ve had such wonderful friends and family to support me along the way.
I want to give a massive shout out to everyone involved with the awards, especially all of the finalists and winners. Life can be so tough, but with a bit of courage we’ll get there.
