Neston schoolgirl to be honoured at Palace of Westminster

Parents Emma Weaver and her husband Leigh lost their daughter Georgina (Georgie) Louise just five days after she was born in May 2014, from tracheal agenesis, a rare condition in which the windpipe fails to develop.

Before Georgie’s death, she was brought to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where she received care before Emma and Leigh made the decision to withdraw her life support.

Emma and Leigh’s eldest daughter, Jess, who was six at the time of Georgie’s death, decided she wanted to raise money in memory of her little sister and began her fundraising efforts on her pink tricycle.

Sisters Jess and Iris Weaver (Image: Emma Weaver)

On the first anniversary of Georgie’s death Jess did her first 11-mile tricycle ride and since then has continued to raise awareness of Georgie’s condition and has raised more than £35,000 for Alder Hey over the years with her last bike ride taking place in 2023.

The funds have contributed to various different projects within the hospital with some earmarked specifically to the alder Centre, the first dedicated bereavement centre in the UK.

Now the 16-year-old is set to receive The British Citizen Youth Award at The Palace of Westminster on October 17.

Jess Weaver (Image: Emma Weaver)

The awards, now in its ninth year, will honour 21 young people from across the UK that have made a positive impact on their communities and wider society.

Each young person will be presented with a BCyA Medal of Honour.

Jess’ mum, Emma Weaver told the Globe: “As a family we are all so very proud of Jess.

“When we received the news that she was being honoured with the British Citizen Youth Award we were astounded.

“When Georgie was in hospital Jess made her a promise that she would raise money and awareness and she has continued to keep that promise 10 years on and that is testament to the incredible, inspiring young lady Jess is.

“We are beyond proud of all Jess has achieved, particularly being a small part in the building of the Alder Centre, the only dedicated bereavement facility.”