WaterAid supporter recognised in Children of Courage Awards

Hemi Poulton on a tea farm in Uganda.

Credit: WaterAid / Miriam Poulton

9 December 2009

Nine-year-old WaterAid supporter Hemi Poulton was honoured today, alongside some of the country's bravest children, at a star studded ceremony in London.

Hemi Poulton, from Bermondsey, London, was presented with the Women's Own Children of Courage Young Fundraiser Award for her long-standing commitment to raising funds for WaterAid.

Hemi received her award with the other winners at the London ceremony, presented by singer Peter Andre. The winners also paid a visit to Number 10 Downing Street and were guests of honour at a special reception at the House of Lords.

Other celebrities attending included X Factor's Jedward as well as stars from Strictly Come Dancing, Coronation Street, EastEnders and I'm A Celebrity. 

• See a picture gallery on the Mirror website here (link open in a new window)
• See a photo from 10 Downing Street on Flickr here (link open in a new window)
• Hear a short comment from Hemi ( MP3 166KB)
• Hear a short comment from her mother Miriam ( MP3 190KB)

When Hemi first heard about WaterAid from a family friend who works for the charity, it made a huge impression on her. Hemi felt it was unfair that some children in the world are forced to drink dirty water and walk miles just to collect it, or that some schools don't have any toilets.

At her fifth birthday party she surprised her parents by deciding to ask her friends for donations rather than presents.

Miriam, 43, a nutritionist, said: "She did this on her sixth birthday, too, telling those people off who insisted on bringing her a gift as well as making a donation.

"She was really determined to raise as much money for the charity as possible."

By forgoing birthday presents for donations, Hemi has raised over £200 each year for the charity, which will have a real impact when you consider that just £15 can enable one person to access safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation in the countries WaterAid works. 

On her eighth birthday, as well as giving up birthday gifts, Hemi organised a kids sponsored cycle ride at a park near her home in South London. Together with her school friends she raised a further £1,500 for WaterAid – enough to provide several schools with toilet blocks – something most children her age wouldn't even know were needed. 

WaterAid nominated Hemi for the award. WaterAid's Community Fundraising Manager Cathy Whiteman said: 

"Hemi is only nine years old yet she has supported WaterAid for four years, making her one of our youngest and most loyal supporters, and a true inspiration to others. 

"We are delighted that Hemi has been recognised by the Woman's Own Children of Courage awards for the wonderful support she has shown to WaterAid and the impact this has had on the lives of some of the world's poorest people. Well done Hemi!"

Hemi is now planning another sponsored cycle ride in South London in June 2010. If you would like to get involved email: bikeforwater@yahoo.co.uk or to make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/bikeforwater

For more information please contact brendamcilwraith@wateraid.org or call 020 7793 2245.

Notes to Editors

There were nine winners being honoured in eight different categories: Outstanding Bravery, Sheer Courage, Young Fundraiser, Young Carer, A True Inspiration, Local Hero, Unsung Hero and Outstanding Achievement.

Valerie Okoampah, also from London, received the Local Hero award for campaigning to reduce the threat of gun and knife crime after two students at her school lost their lives to violence.

WaterAid's vision is of a world where everyone has access to safe water and sanitation. Our mission is to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities.  We work with partners and influence decision-makers to maximise our impact.

• At least 4000 children die every day as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation.
• 884 million people in the world do not have access to safe water. This is roughly one in eight of the world's population.
• 2.5 billion people in the world do not have access to adequate sanitation, this is almost two fifths of the world's population.
• Just £15 can enable one person to access safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation.

The Woman's Own Children of Courage Awards, now in their 36th year, are one of the longest-running award ceremonies dedicated to recognising the achievements of children.

Every year, Woman's Own readers, families, friends, and medical experts nominate their Children of Courage to enjoy a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
The awards were judged by Karen Livermore, editor of Woman's Own and Natasha Cook, deputy editor of Woman's Own.