Award for boy, 10, who 'lives life to the full'

A 10-year-old boy who lives with a brain injury and epilepsy has been hailed as an inspiration at an awards ceremony.

Finlay Macrae, who lives at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, was crowned Inspirational Service Child of the Year by North Yorkshire Council.

He was also praised for the way he had coped with the death of his younger siblings.

His father, Simon, said: "We are so pleased for Finlay. His life so far has been difficult, more difficult than it should be for anyone so little, so for something positive to come of it is lovely."

Finlay received the award at a ceremony in Leyburn, which highlighted moments of "courage, bravery, and extraordinary achievements" by children and adults, connected to North Yorkshire's armed forces communities.

His sister Caitlin was stillborn in 2016, and his brother Rowan, then aged five, died two years ago from a brain tumour.

Following a series of seizures in 2020, Finlay underwent a series of medical tests, and was diagnosed with epilepsy and a brain injury.

His mother, Kathryn, said: "Since his diagnosis his life has changed for the better as he finally has answers for why his brain is the way that it is."

She added: "We are so very proud of Finlay for his constant resilience.

"How his brain works is amazing. He is able to retain information, like navigate the London Underground without needing a Tube map, he has memorised the routes and lines."

Mrs Macrae said Finlay was a child who thinks "life is for living, we as a family also stand by this".

An awards spokesperson said: "Despite hardships, Finlay's strength of character is evident as he pushes boundaries determined to live life to the full, as well as keeping the memory alive of his siblings."

They said Finlay made the decision to speak at Rowan's funeral and had since always spoken about him "to help break the taboo of child death".

The council's executive member for children and families, councillor Janet Sanderson, said it was important that service children were celebrated and it was "important to share their stories to inspire others".

More than 90 children, young people and organisations were nominated for the awards, with nine winners.

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