An extraordinary Southport boy who has battled cancer before leading a fundraising event to raise over £27,000 to help children being treated at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has won a Sefton Child Of Courage Award sponsored by Cooper Parry accountants.
Harrison Dale, a student at Stanley High School, is determined to use his challenging experience to help other children in other ways too.
He has been accepted to take on a Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) alongside his Year 10 studies, with his research project focused on how childhood cancer treatment and outcomes have evolved over the past half century.
Harrison was presented with his award by Stephen Grayson from Cooper Parry accountants to huge applause at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport.
In March 2025, at just 14 years old, Harrison’s life changed overnight when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. What followed was an incredibly challenging journey of treatment at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, including six cycles of aggressive chemotherapy. Throughout this time Harrison showed extraordinary resilience, determination and maturity beyond his years.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of treatment, Harrison approached each day with courage and positivity. He remained thoughtful and empathetic towards other young patients and families around him, focusing not just on his own recovery but on the experiences of those going through similar battles.
In September 2025, after months of treatment, Harrison was given the wonderful news that he was in remission. Rather than simply returning to normal life, Harrison used his experience to inspire others and make a difference.
Determined to understand the disease that had impacted his life, Harrison applied for and was selected to complete a Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) alongside his Year 10 studies. His research project focused on how childhood cancer treatment and outcomes have evolved over the past 50 years. Through this work, he has developed a deep interest in medicine and is now determined to pursue a career in oncology, helping future children facing cancer.
Harrison also became the inspiration and driving force behind a 24-hour community sponsored swim, bringing together his swimming club, gym and high school to support the Oncology Ward at Alder Hey. The event raised an incredible £27,700 to help children at Alder Hey who are fighting cancer.
Remarkably, Harrison has achieved all of this while adjusting to the uncertainty that comes with his diagnosis and the ongoing reality that his cancer could return. Yet he continues to focus not on fear, but on how he can help others.
Harrison’s courage, compassion and determination to turn his own experience into something positive for other children facing cancer makes him truly deserving of recognition as a Child of Courage.
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on 24th 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 30th April 2027.
To submit your nomination for next year’s awards visit: Pride Of Sefton Awards
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