An inspirational Southport boy with a rare genetic condition that affects his hearing and eyesight has been honoured with a Sefton Child of Courage Award in recognition of the remarkable way he approaches life.
Llewyn Sunderland, a 10-year-old pupil at Farnborough Road Junior School in Birkdale, was presented with his trophy at the Grand Pride of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport by Stephen Grayson from category sponsor Cooper Parry accountants.
Last year Llewyn completed the Southport 10k run with his mum and dad to raise money for Elsie’s Story, with Llewyn and his family good friends of Elsie Dot Stancombe and her family.
He raised over £1,000 in Elsie’s memory.
At the awards, Llewyn was congratulated by people including his proud Farnborough Road Junior School headteacher Adrian Antell, who was at the evening to collect his own Sefton Lifetime Achievement Award.
A Journey of Extraordinary Bravery
A nomination from Carly Tarjomi said:
“Llewyn is an incredible 10-year-old who has shown courage far beyond his years. Last year he ran the Southport 10K alongside his mum and dad.
“For many children that would already be a huge achievement, but for Llewyn it carried even greater meaning.”
“Llewyn is deaf and was recently diagnosed with Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes hearing loss and progressive vision loss.
“It means that over time his sight will deteriorate, which brings many uncertainties and challenges for his future.
“His two younger sisters have also received the same diagnosis, making this something the whole family is learning to face together.
“Despite this, Llewyn approaches life with positivity, kindness and remarkable determination.”
The idea to take on the challenge was entirely Llewyn’s own.
Carly Tarjomi noted:
“Running the Southport 10K last August was entirely his own idea.
“He wanted to challenge himself and also raise money for Elsie’s Story. Elsie was far more than a friend to Llewyn and his family.
Our families, the Stancombes, the Sunderlands and the Tarjomis, have long been close family friends and Elsie was very much like an extended member of the family.
“Wanting to honour her memory and help others in her name meant a great deal to Llewyn.”
“Taking on a 10K race at just 10 years old is impressive for any child, but for a child living with hearing loss and a diagnosis that will affect his vision in the future, it showed extraordinary bravery.
“He pushed himself every step of the way and proudly crossed the finish line, raising just over £1,000 for Elsie’s Story.
“Llewyn’s courage, compassion and determination genuinely reflect everything the Sefton Child of Courage Award represents.”
Celebrating the Pride of Sefton
The 2026 Grand Pride of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on 24 April 2026.
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School of the Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
Next year’s event takes place on Friday 30 April 2027.
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