Brave Wearside teen Courtney up for Child of Courage award

A Wearside teen who has been in and out of hospital since the day she was born has been recognised for the inspirational way she copes with her condition.
Courtney Collier has been nominated for a Child of Courage AwardCourtney Collier has been nominated for a Child of Courage Award
Courtney Collier has been nominated for a Child of Courage Award

Diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at just nine months old, every day has been a battle for Courtney Collier.

The 13-year-old, from Parkhurst Road, Pennywell, also suffers from epilepsy and has to be fed milk through a tube, but hasn’t let her ongoing health struggles get her down.

Courtney Collier has been nominated for Child of Courage Award
Sister Laila McAneny aged 4Courtney Collier has been nominated for Child of Courage Award
Sister Laila McAneny aged 4
Courtney Collier has been nominated for Child of Courage Award Sister Laila McAneny aged 4
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Now the teen has been honoured for her bravery with a nomination for a Best of Wearside Child of Courage award.

Proud mum Danielle Collier, 33, who is a full time carer for Courtney, said she was delighted that her daughter had been put forward for the accolade.

She said: “Courtney is just 13 years old, but she has undergone 12 operations since she was born.

“She was born early at 30 weeks and weighing just 3lb 11oz. Nine months later she was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

Courtney Collier has been nominated for Child of Courage Award
Sister Laila McAneny aged 4Courtney Collier has been nominated for Child of Courage Award
Sister Laila McAneny aged 4
Courtney Collier has been nominated for Child of Courage Award Sister Laila McAneny aged 4
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“The condition affects all her limbs and muscles, leaving her really weak.

“When she was a baby she was constantly getting chest infections and suffered from pneumonia.

“She also had trouble eating, as the reflux at the back of her throat wasn’t working properly.”
As a result, Courtney was fitted with a nasal gastric tube so she could be fed milk, but then aged two she ended up in the Royal Victoria Infirmary where she underwent an operation called fundoplication when tubes tied in stomach to stop her being sick.

“At the same time, a peg was fitted in her stomach so she could be fed milk as she still can’t eat solid foods.

Courtney Collier has been nominated for Child of Courage AwardCourtney Collier has been nominated for Child of Courage Award
Courtney Collier has been nominated for Child of Courage Award
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The youngster can’t walk and has also underwent eight hip operations to prevent her hips from dislocating.

Mum Danielle added: “Courtney also developed epilepsy aged four and now has a spinal condition called scoliosis for which she is awaiting surgery.

“Despite everything she is a happy, smiling little girl who never lets her health get her down.

“Nothing seems to phase her and I am so proud of her.”

Courtney was admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital in September this year with pneumonia.Courtney was admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital in September this year with pneumonia.
Courtney was admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital in September this year with pneumonia.

“It would mean a lot for us both if she won the award.”

The Best of Wearside Awards 2016 are under way and we are looking for heroes like Courtney to be put forward.

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Categories include Green Champion; Student of the Year; Fundraiser of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; Sporting Achievement; Community Group; Community Champion; Local Hero; Child of Achievement; and Child of Courage.

This year’s sponsors are Calsonic Kansei, Gentoo, Vantec, Station Taxis, TWR, and Sunderland Live who will be sponsoring a range of categories.

To nominate, just send your name, address and telephone number, as well as your email address, if applicable.

Remember to include the category you are putting your nominated cause into.

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Send the name of the person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email, to Lynn Wild by 5pm on Friday, December 30, 2016.

Entries should sent by email to: [email protected] or posted to: Lynn Wild, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, DH4 5RA.