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‘We didn’t know if we would get this far’ - Child of Courage who beat the odds turns 18

The family of a South Tyneside girl who had the odds stacked against her are preparing to celebrate as she approaches her 18th birthday.
By Sarah Sinclair
Published 27th Aug 2019, 11:45 BST- 2 min read
Former Child of Courage Abigail Young turns 18 with parents Philip and Alison Young and sister Imogen, 15Former Child of Courage Abigail Young turns 18 with parents Philip and Alison Young and sister Imogen, 15
Former Child of Courage Abigail Young turns 18 with parents Philip and Alison Young and sister Imogen, 15

Abigail Young, who won the Shields Gazette's Child of Courage award in 2007, was born at 29 weeks by an emergency cesarean on September 8, 2001.

She spent 16 days on a ventilator at the RVI and a further three months in a special care baby unit at the hospital, before she was allowed home in time for Christmas.

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Originally from Cleadon, Abigail now lives in Seaburn Dene with her parents, Philip and Alison Young and attends Portland Academy in Sunderland.

Former Shields Gazette Child of Courage Abigail Young in her own vegetable patch Former Shields Gazette Child of Courage Abigail Young in her own vegetable patch
Former Shields Gazette Child of Courage Abigail Young in her own vegetable patch
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She suffers from cerebral palsy, hemiplegia and scoliosis curvature of the spine, as well as having severe learning disabilities.

“She is as fiercely independent as she can be, and loves to help other people, she is just a wonderful person,” said dad Philip, a former police officer.

“To be celebrating her 18th birthday is fantastic, because in the early days we didn’t know if we would get this far. It’s a massive milestone for her and a big event in her life.”

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The last 18 years, have not been without their challenges for Abigail, her parents and siblings, Melissa, 28, Craig, 25 and Imogen, 15.

Former Shields Gazette Child of Courage Abigail Young turns 18 with a Hawaiin themed part with parents Philip and Alison YoungFormer Shields Gazette Child of Courage Abigail Young turns 18 with a Hawaiin themed part with parents Philip and Alison Young
Former Shields Gazette Child of Courage Abigail Young turns 18 with a Hawaiin themed part with parents Philip and Alison Young

Abigail, who has the assistance of an electric buggy, has been supported over the years by Grace House respite centre in Sunderland, The Tiny Lives Trust and The Sunshine Fund.

“It has been challenging for the family unit, but that’s what has kept us together, the support from her siblings and extended family, and Alison and I are each other’s rocks,” said Philip.

“We have made lots of special friends through the years, that’s the positive dimension of having a child with special needs.”

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Abigail and the family will be celebrating her 18th birthday with a party at The New Sundial, in South Shields on September 1.

Former Shields Gazette Child of Courage Abigail Young turns 18Former Shields Gazette Child of Courage Abigail Young turns 18
Former Shields Gazette Child of Courage Abigail Young turns 18

Family, friends and healthcare professionals who have gotten to know and love Abigail over the years will all be there, with a performance from local band, Rivelino.

“It’s all about me,” Abigail added. “I’m looking forward to it a lot, I’m really excited.”