Elisa Briffitt

Nine-year-old Elisa Briffitt “has been a brave soul for years”. She was diagnosed at three with a rare autoimmune condition; it’s meant frequent hospital trips to Oxford, London and Reading, said her nominator for Child of Courage, sponsored by De Vere Wokefield Estate.

“She's had IV treatment every four weeks since she was four. She had spates of weekly injections. She's gone through so much,” said her nominator.

“In June she had craniofacial surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital. She faced the process with astounding bravery. She was worried, like you'd expect of a nine year old facing surgery on their head/face.

“But the things she'd say in the lead up to it... SO emotionally aware, and brave.”

The most incredible moment was on the way back from the operation, said the nominator.

“She sat in the car and – bearing in mind that coming round from the general anaesthetic was pretty traumatic as the pain gradually returned – she said: ‘Well, I guess it wasn't that fun but... I guess I'll be OK for next time’." And it is possible that she'll need to have it done when she's a teenager.

She used her creativity (colouring and painting and writing stories) to help her get through her recovery process. “When we went back to Great Ormond Street she'd notice other children and the empathy... wow.

“She has more courage than pretty much any adult I know,” said the nominator.