Celebrating the positive difference that the children of people who work in the local NHS made during early months of Covid-19

The young winners of a colouring competition held by Solent NHS Trust to recognise the support they gave their families during the early months of the pandemic have been revealed.

The children, across four age categories, were offered the opportunity to colour in an NHS inspired design. Nick Sharratt, award winning children's book illustrator and author, who has illustrated for Jacqueline Wilson, then judged the children's drawings and picked the winners from each category.

The winners from each category:

• 0-3 Sophia
• 4-7 Emma
• 8-11 Poppy
• 12+ Ella-Mai

Nick Sharratt said: “Solent is clearly truly dedicated to looking after their employees, key workers and their families. I think it is great that they are reaching out to the children too as they play an important part. I have loved getting involved in helping judge the artwork of the future generation.”

Each of the winners were presented with their prizes by Solent’s Chief Nurse, Jackie Ardley.

Jackie explained how she felt after presenting Poppy, the winner of the 8-11 year old category, with her certificate and medal at home in Southampton with her family. Jackie said: “It was wonderful to meet Poppy and her family. It was, and continues to be, really important that we celebrate the amazing children and young people of the people who work in Solent. Throughout the pandemic they have sacrificed so much and also supported their loved ones so that they could continue giving care.”

Poppy’s mum, Sam Murduck - an occupational therapist working for the ME/CFS Service - added: “The colouring competition has been a great chance for children to get involved and educated in something that has changed their lives greatly and is difficult for them to understand. Poppy and her sister Amber were so thrilled that Jackie made a special trip to visit them at home.”

Finalists received prizes donated by the official 2020 World Book Day illustrator and YouTuber, Rob Biddulph, with medals and certificates going to all participants.

Alongside the competition, Zoom sessions were held for the children so they could put any COVID-19 or NHS questions to Chief Executive, Sue Harriman, Chief Nurse, Jackie Ardley, and Chief People Officer, Helen Ives, acknowledging this particularly daunting and unsettling time in everyone’s lives.