Little Moments Matter Award winners revealed

The winners of Dravet Syndrome UK's first-ever Little Moments Matter Awards revealed at the Dravet Syndrome UK conference in London

The winners of Dravet Syndrome UK’s first-ever Little Moments Matter Awards were announced at the charity’s Professionals and Parent/Carer day conference on 14th and 15th November, celebrating health, education and social care professionals who go above and beyond for families living with Dravet Syndrome.

Families caring for a loved one with Dravet Syndrome nominated professionals for a Little Moments Matter award and over 30 finalists were shortlisted.

Galia Wilson, Chair of Trustees for Dravet Syndrome UK said:“With our Little Moments Matter Awards we aim to shine a light on those inspiring professionals whose efforts help families face the daily challenges of Dravet Syndrome with hope and strength. All finalists really stepped up, showing that even in the toughest circumstances, it’s the little moments of care, compassion and understanding that can make the biggest difference. We hope that all the winners and indeed all our finalists know the life-changing impact their support has made to the quality of life of families affected by this very complex condition.”

The award winners were as follows:

The Health Professional of the Year (Clinician)

Winner – Dr Johann Te Water-Naude

Francesca said when nominating Dr Te Water-Naude: “Our daughter experienced her first seizure at just four months old, and ever since that life-altering moment, Dr Johann Te Water-Naude has walked every step of this journey with us. Our daughter is turning 18 this August, and for all those years in between, through some of the darkest, scariest, and most uncertain times, Dr Johann Te Water-Naude has been our unwavering support.

What sets him apart isn’t just his expertise. It’s his compassion. He doesn’t just focus on seizure control, he cares deeply about our daughter’s quality of life. He listens, really listens, to us. He invites our questions, respects our lived experience, and values our input as parents. Every decision is made collaboratively, and I have always felt heard, respected, and supported. He understands the emotional toll this journey takes and has always held space for our fears and struggles while giving us hope.

I have the utmost trust and respect for Dr Johann Te Water-Naude. I cannot speak highly enough of him. He has made a tremendous difference not only in our daughter’s life, but in ours as a family. We genuinely could not have asked for a better person to be by our side as we’ve navigated the complexities of Dravet Syndrome”.

Highly commended – Dr Mike Taylor

The Health Professional of the Year (Nurse)

Winner – Iona Davidson (pictured with Amanda)

Iona said: “I feel truly honoured to receive this award. Supporting families living with Dravet Syndrome is such a rewarding part of my role. Every small step forward, whether it’s helping a young person feel safe during a medical procedure or seeing a family’s confidence grow, makes a real difference. Helping families like Marie’s reinforces the vital role of truly personalised care, and I’m honoured to be part of their support network.”

Marie said: “My daughter had not been able to have her blood drawn for four years due to fear stemming from past negative experiences. Iona visited our home and began a six-week process of desensitising our daughter to having a blood test, building trust through gentle exposure. Our daughter successfully had her blood drawn while remaining calm and relaxed, even watching the procedure. Iona is like a member of our family—calm, understanding, patient, and very easy to chat with.”

Highly commended – Jackie Harlow

Tara Matthews, Special Education Needs Co-Ordinator and Deputy Manager and Michelle Wolstenholme, Co Owner and Manager at Tiddlers Nursery

Education Professional of the Year

Winners – Tiddlers Nursery, Coventry (pictured receiving their award)

Upon receiving the award, Michelle Wolstenholme, Co Owner and Manager at Tiddlers Nursery, said: “We are truly honoured to receive this award. Our whole team feels privileged to support Heidi and her family as they navigate the ups and downs of this complex condition. We have learnt so much from them, not just about Dravet Syndrome, but also about resilience and love, and it is a joy having Dougie in our nursery group.”

Heidi, mum to Dougie, said: “My son was diagnosed with Dravet two months before starting nursery. The nursery he was meant to start at kept holding off and, eventually after three months, said they would not take him. In came Tiddlers Nursery and without hesitation they said they could accommodate him, got the whole staff trained and were so welcoming and accepting of Dougie. Having a nursery who are more than willing to support, guide and understand is huge. They treat him like every other child and he is happy, safe, and developing brilliantly there.”

Highly commended – Jade Scott and Nicky Craigie

Social Care Professional of the Year

Winner – Rebekah Wyatt (pictured receiving her award)

On receiving her award Rebekah said: ““I’m truly honoured to receive this award. I feel privileged to support Meggie and her family and to be there for them through the highs and lows. Their courage inspires me every day, and this recognition really belongs to them for the resilience and love they show as a family.”

Meggie said: “Rebekah is my son Mason’s support worker and has been in our family circle for over 10 years. She has cared for him overnight, school runs, pickups and even tailored her own work around our needs, providing both practical and emotional support. Truly the most selfless, caring, beautiful soul. We would be lost without her.”

Highly Commended – Stephen Heppolette

Special Recognition for Empowering Families

Winner – Dr Mike Taylor (pictured receiving his award)

On receiving his award Dr Taylor said: “It’s such an honour to receive these awards, working with families living with Dravet Syndrome with my wonderful colleagues at Leeds Teaching Hospitals is a privilege and I’m inspired everyday by their strength and resilience.I hope these awards help raise awareness of the challenges families affected by Dravet Syndrome face and the urgent need for continued research and support.”

Laura, whose son George is three years old and living with the condition, said: “We first met Dr.Taylor when our son was in ICU and he took a thorough history and really listened to what had been going on. We felt heard and not brushed off like we had been by other professionals. Dr.Taylor did genetic testing and we were quickly given a diagnosis of Dravet Syndrome. Early diagnosis is something we are extremely grateful for thanks to Dr. Taylor. We need more health professionals like him!”

Louise whose daughter Willow Rose aged five years old lives with Dravet Syndrome said “He always asks parents opinions, very caring and understanding. His knowledge about Dravet is amazing. He has been looking after my little one from three months old and even the first time we met him we knew he was something special. One of the most lovely, happiest and nicest doctors I have ever met. Makes living with Dravet Syndrome that bit easier.”

Highly commended – Lyndon House team including Charlotte Appleby, Rebecca Gordon and Dawn Wilson‑Mace

Lifetime Achievement Award

The closing award of the ceremony was a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising a professional whose work has had a profound and sustained impact on Dravet Syndrome care in the UK. The award was presented to Dr Elaine Hughes, honoured for her pioneering role in establishing the first dedicated Dravet Syndrome clinic in the UK at Evelina London, her leadership in paediatric epilepsy services, and her long‑standing contribution as an advisor and mentor to Dravet Syndrome UK.

Dr Hughes said: “This award was totally unexpected and a massive thank you. Working with children and young people with Dravet Syndrome and their families has been such a privilege and we have learned so much on the journey together. My work has been made easier by having a wonderful multidisciplinary team at Evelina London and by the continued advocacy and support of Dravet Syndrome UK.”

One of the families that nominated Hughes was Samantha Adams, she said: “Elaine diagnosed our daughter as a baby. She is now 22. Elaine makes you feel like part of the family. She went above and beyond time and time again over decades. I honestly can't see how anyone could top Elaine Hughes when it comes to looking after families affected by Dravet Syndrome.”