2026 Winner
NOAH CONNELL
Schoolboy mocked by cruel bullies for rare genetic condition overcame trolls to raise funds for other sick kids
Eight-year-old Noah was born at 39 weeks with Pierre Robin syndrome, an extremely rare condition that causes facial abnormalities.
He lay critically ill on a ventilator when he was born, and has undergone 13 operations on his jaw, chin and neck. He also had metal plates inserted in his mouth to help him breathe and eat and is believed to have been the only baby in the world to go through a jaw ‘scaffolding’ operation.
Noah was the target of bullies when he was just two – trolls sent a birthday card in the post calling him ‘Mr Potato Head’. Cruel online messages have also ridiculed the youngster.
Mum Jade said: “It’s sad that people feel the need to do that, but we just block it out. We have no space for that kind of thing. We just want to give Noah the best life we can.” Despite being non-verbal and tube-fed, requiring round-the-clock care, Noah was able to design a Christmas bauble for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Christmas competition.
Proud mum Jade, 27, said she and dad Kieran, 26, were delighted his winning ‘Noah’s Light’ design was chosen to hang on trees across Scotland for anyone who donated. Noah was also chosen to switch on the festive lights at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
Last August, Noah achieved a major breakthrough by walking unassisted for the first time, inspired by a recent meeting with his idol, Spider-Man, during a film set visit in Glasgow. His family continue to document his inspirational progress under the slogan “Never Give Up”.