The cream of the city gathered at the Stadium of Light for the Pride of Wearside Awards 2008 last night and there wasn't a dry eye in the house as the inspirational winners were announced.

Some of the most heart-rending stories came from the Child of Courage winners, whose tales of triumph over adversity brought the audience of about 200 to their feet.

Judges couldn't choose from the brave youngsters nominated in the category – so all five were given an award.

Their smiling faces were among 20 winners who judges somehow managed to choose from the scores of entries that flooded in when the Echo launched this year's awards.

They were joined by local celebrities, business representatives, friends and family at the third annual glittering awards ceremony – where the city celebrated the grit, determination, care and consideration of ordinary people doing the extraordinary.

The audience cheered, clapped and cried as the courageous kids each went on stage to collect their £200 cheques and trophies in the awards, a joint initiative between gentoo and the Echo.

Among the five children of courage was Megan Shaw. The two-year-old touched the hearts of Wearsiders when the Echo told of how the little battler has beaten the odds.

The tot, one of twins, was born with a catalogue of rare conditions that have left North East specialists baffled.

The Red House youngster's vocal chords are frozen shut, she has one functioning kidney, can only breathe with the aid of a tracheotomy tube and spends 15 hours a day connected to a feeding pump.

In recognition of her positive attitude in the face of adversity, mum
Lyndsey Hay nominated Megan in the Child of Courage category.

Speaking at the ceremony, proud mum-of-three Lyndsey said: "I'm really pleased for her. She's got more operations to comes, so there are always things she has to be brave for. It's nice to see someone else recognise her being so brave.

"It's been good to meet other people who are also parents to children who are poorly because they go through the same emotions as you."

Joining Megan on stage was five-year-old Joshua Waddell. Despite being diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, the East Herrington youngster is determined to one day walk unaided.

And, with the help of his family, is taking part in a range of activities, including using specialist equipment, injections of botox in his hamstrings and playing on his Wii console in a bid to strengthen his leg muscles.

Even fellow pupils at East Herrington Primary School have taken part in fund-raisers to help buy Josh – who has already undergone an operation to break and re-align his legs – the equipment he needs.

Mum Caroline said: "It's been a really fantastic night. It's inspirational for others who have got a similar condition to Josh, for the parents to see how well they can do.

"There are a lot of people who are planning fund-raising events for Josh as the next two years are crucial if he is to walk unaided. We have been overwhelmed by the response."

Little battler Chantelle Pringle also stole the hearts of the audience as she collected her award.

At just two years old, the youngster suffered losing a leg and all her toes after contracting meningitis.

Now aged six, her constant smiling face and upbeat attitude towards her amputations have proved inspirational.

Mum Keeley Grotz, of Barmston, Washington, said: "I'm over the moon for her. She deserves it for all she has been through. I wouldn't have been able to pick a winner from the kids. I'm pleased they all got it."

Chantelle said: "I'm really pleased I won. I liked going on stage and everybody clapping. I'm going to put my award in my room, somewhere nice and safe."

Also making Wearside proud is nine-year-old Sam Turnbull, who is now fighting fit after battling against a heart condition which threatened his life.

In his short life, the Usworth Grange Primary School pupil has already undergone three major surgeries – the first when he was just a day old – to correct a heart defect, and doctors expect to perform more as he gets older.

The Concord youngster was born with pulmonary stenosis, which means his heart finds it difficult to pump oxygen around the body. Coupled with this, he also has also has a hole in the heart.

Dad Jason Turnbull, 37, said: "It's fantastic, a good recognition of what he's been through. He's got more operations to come, but he's a brave little boy.

"I'm really proud of him, I had tears in my eyes when he went on stage."
Heart transplant survivor Sarah Barton also impressed judges.

Just a month after becoming ill in June 2007, Sarah's life was saved thanks to a heart transplant.

She has surprised everyone by her strong recovery and, now aged 12 , she is an active member of Farringdon Community Sports College.

"I'm really ecstatic and proud of myself," she said. "I never expected to win it because there are so many other people out there who deserve this award.

"When I was 11 I went into intensive care with heart failure and had to have a heart transplant. I tried so hard not to think of the bad things and think about everything that's good and just get on with my life. That helped me to get through.

"There's no way I could have got through it all without my family – they've all been amazing."

Echo editor Rob Lawson said: "The grit and determination of tonight's winners is what makes our city great and we should all be proud of their achievements.

"Once again the Pride of Wearside Awards has been a night to remember."

ROLL OF HONOUR
Roll of honour

Neighbour of the year
Tracy Lee

Sporting achievement
Jonathan Carlisle

Role model
Pat Burn

Parent/Guardian of the year
Dawn Watson

Safer community
Sandra & Alison Goggins

Child of Courage
Megan Shaw
Chantelle Pringle
Sam Turnbull
Joshua Waddell
Sarah Barton
(Special memorial award to the parents of Peter Morton)

Teacher/Lecturer of the year
Sandra Fishburn-Parkin

Rescuer/Lifesaver
Sunderland RNLI
Brandon Snowdon

Fundraiser of the year
Johnny Bliss
Peter McKenzie

Child of achievement
Jesse Thompson
Louis Plummer-Laidler
Shannon Doughty

Student of the year
Daniel Tweddle

Community Group
Karen & Diane Robinson