A Harrogate schoolgirl has been recognised for her bravery and determination at this year’s Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards.
Eleven-year-old Sophia Felgate received the Amazing Achievement (0–11) award at the ceremony, held on October 10th at New Dock Hall in Leeds.
The prestigious event celebrated eleven young people and a children’s charity for their courage, resilience and compassion, raising a record-breaking £100,000 for causes across Yorkshire.
It's not the first award for Sophia, who was named a Your Harrogate Local Hero Award winner last year.
Sophia’s story
Sophia’s story of strength and positivity has inspired many.
In June 2018, just a week after her third birthday, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
Her initial treatment involved two years of chemotherapy, multiple operations and countless hospital visits.
Despite severe pain and losing her ability to walk during those early stages, Sophia stayed cheerful and determined.
After ringing the bell to mark the end of her treatment in 2020, Sophia sadly relapsed in late 2021 and faced another two years of chemotherapy.
Even throughout this gruelling period, she focused on helping others.
When she lost her hair, Sophia organised a sponsored head shave with her family, raising over £8,000 for the Leeds-based charity Candlelighters, which has supported her throughout her journey.
At Christmas 2022, she became seriously ill with a chest infection and flu following intense chemotherapy, which left her immune system severely weakened.
But by September 2023, Sophia was back fundraising again—completing 150 laps of her back lane while still on treatment, raising over £2,000 for Candlelighters.
She rang the bell again in December 2023, marking the end of treatment for a second time.
Most recently, she completed a five-mile sponsored walk for the Red Cross, raising over £500 despite still recovering her strength.
Speaking about Sophia, one of her teachers said:
“I have never met anyone, child or adult, who inspires me as much as Sophia.
“Her attitude to learning is everything a teacher could ask for; she works as hard as she can in every task and never gives up.”
The Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards, founded in 2011 by the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, honour children and young people who show extraordinary bravery and kindness.
Hosted by radio presenter Rich Williams and journalist Christine Talbot, this year’s event featured performances, celebrity guests, and emotional tributes to the winners.
Speaking about the evening, Rich Williams said:
“It has been an absolute honour to host the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards for the first time.
“The courage and resilience shown by these young people is nothing short of inspiring.
“The room was filled with so much positivity and pride; it is a night I will never forget.”
The full list of 2025 winners:
- Sporting Superstar – Corey Davies
- Fantastic Fundraiser (Age group 0-12) – Henry Connolly
- Fantastic Fundraiser (Age group 13-18) – James Tortice
- Compassionate Carer (Age group 0-12) – Grayson Chafer
- Compassionate Carer (Age group 13-18) – Ellie Hughes
- Beyond Bravery (Age group 0-12) – Ellerie and Albie Carroll
- Beyond Bravery (Age group 13-18) – Lucas Burrows
- Amazing Achievement (Age group 0-11) – Sophia Felgate
- Amazing Achievement (Age group 12-18) – Salam Balde
- Dare to Dream – Destiny-Hope Hodgson
- Children’s Charity of the Year – Yorkshire Children’s Charity
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