Grace Dowling

A teenager battling an “extremely rare” genetic disorder has been nominated for the Child of Courage award, sponsored by De Vere Wokefield Estate.

Fifteen-year-old Grace Dowling lives with Wolff-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting the face, heart, brain and height.

“Grace has spent a lot of time in hospital throughout her life but never complains and meets every challenge with a smile,” her nominator said.

Grace uses a wheelchair and has very complex special needs. Although she has very few words to communicate, her family know her so well that they always understand what she needs.

The nominator first met Grace when she was just two years old at the group they run for disabled children and has watched her grow into a remarkable young person with “a smile for everyone she meets.”

“In my whole life, I have never met anyone as sunny and full of joy as Grace,” the nominator added.

“Grace loves everyone, and I think everyone should love Grace.”