A brave teenager and an inspirational healthcare support worker for Dougie Mac have both been shortlisted for an annual award.

Kieran Hankin, 14, who has raised thousands of pounds for Dougie Mac to say thank you for the care he has received from the charity has been shortlisted in the Child of Courage category in the Staffordshire University-lead Your Heroes Awards.

And, Lynn Parkin, who has given 38 years of service to Dougie Mac – making her one of the hospice’s longest-serving employees – has been shortlisted in the Carer of the Year category.

Kieran – known to family and friends as ‘K-Man’ – was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia just before his seventh birthday. The condition is a life-changing, life-limiting, degenerative neuromuscular disease which affects his balance, co-ordination and muscle strength.

He also has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy where the muscles of his heart are abnormally thick, which makes it harder for his heart to pump blood around his body contributing to severe fatigue, whilst he was also diagnosed with Pes Cavvus, which has made his feet turn inwards and led to his loss of mobility.

Kieran has undergone major surgeries to his spine, which in his mum’s words, “Have made Kieran dig so deep, both physically and mentally. Yet after his last bout of major surgery, he was back in school within a month. He really is not just hugely brave – he’s also an inspiration to me and others.”

Over the years, Kieran has raised thousands of pounds for charity. For his last challenge, he swam nine kilometres and raised more than £3,500 for Dougie Mac.

Kieran started attending Dougie Mac’s Children’s Services six years ago. Mum Leeann said: “The whole staff have been amazing invaluable sources of support and information. There is so much warmth about the place – we are so lucky in Staffordshire to have this amazing charity on our doorsteps. I can’t tell you how much they have done for us.

“We have gone through so much and recently through multiple challenging surgeries for Kieran who will continue to face challenge after challenge. But he is an unbelievable boy.

“Kieran has raised thousands for charity, and we are hoping that he can get a new trike that matches his needs soon, so he can continue to give.”

Meanwhile, Lynn – who is due to retire from her role with Dougie Mac in December – is hoping to scoop the Carer of the Year award.

Lynn began her journey on the inpatient unit, where her unwavering care for patients set the tone for her career. She is known for bringing warmth, professionalism and a deep sense of compassion to every role she has held.

Her transition to the Day Therapy team saw Lynn supporting patients living in the community and helping them maintain independence and dignity. During the COVID-19 pandemic she developed new skills to support patients remotely.

Most recently Lynn has been part of the Specialist Community team, contributing to the care of a caseload of more than 1,000 people.

The star-studded awards ceremony – organised at The University of Staffordshire and sponsored by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, GivEnergy, Woolcool, PREM Management, The Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, The Potteries Educational Trust and Shepherd PR –  will take place at the Double Tree by Hilton Stoke-on-Trent on November 27.

Good luck Kieran and Lynn!