Sam Keegan from Sutton wins national award for being a great ‘buddy’

Sam was nominated by his brother (William Keegan) for the national award, organised by the Haemophilia Society UK and supported by haemophilia care company Novo Nordisk.

The national Buddy Awards recognise the vital support provided by friends, families, carers and teachers of children who have to cope with the everyday challenges that haemophilia and bleeding disorders can involve.

Chief Executive of The Haemophilia Society, Liz Carroll, said: “The lack of public awareness of bleeding disorders means that the families and friends take on a great deal of responsibility for their friends and loved ones, and this often goes unnoticed. The Buddy Awards are a way for people with a bleeding disorder to give a very special thank you to their ‘buddy’ and simultaneously raise awareness of the condition.

The unique Buddy Awards have attracted recognition from celebrities, government officials, MPs, healthcare professionals from all over the country with nominations coming from the most northerly point of the Shetland Isles, to the most southerly point of Cornwall as well as Wales and Ireland. And, following its phenomenal success, the Buddy Awards programme has now been launched globally by haemophilia societies in many different countries with the worldwide support of Novo Nordisk.

At Thursday’s special award ceremony dozens of celebrities sent their personal filmed messages of congratulations - including, Kian Egan Westlife singer, and ‘I’m a celebrity…’ winner; Anna Williamson, TV presenter; Mr Tumble - aka Justin Fletcher MBE; Sooty & Sweep; and Ellie Simmonds, OBE Paralympic gold medalist.

Over 60 Buddy Awards were announced at the award ceremony and the coveted Buddy Award badge was presented to a range of special buddies, including nurses, teachers, kids Club organisers, school friends, brothers, sisters, grandparents and mums and dads.

Haemophilia is a rare, inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. People with haemophilia can suffer debilitating bleeds into muscles and joints, which can lead to serious complications. There is no cure, but modern treatments mean patients can lead normal lives.

World Haemophilia Day is celebrated worldwide on the 17th April every year.

Editorial Note: Facts about bleeding disorders • Haemophilia is a rare, inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly • There are several different kinds of bleeding disorder; haemophilia affects males but there are some conditions that affect women.

• Symptoms include bleeding into muscles and joints, especially the knees, elbows, and ankles; prolonged bleeding after a cut, tooth removal, surgery, or an accident; big bruises and internal bleeding into vital organs, most commonly after serious trauma • Bleeding into joints can lead to disabling arthritis, and bleeding in the brain can lead to serious complications • The main treatment is injections of clotting factor medication, which many patients self-administer at home • There is no cure, but modern treatments mean patients can lead normal lives.

For further information: Please contact: Donna Gregory or Rachael Tolfrey 01233 732769 rachael.tolfrey@interactionpr.co.uk or donna.gregory@interactionpr.co.uk Based on information supplied by Jessica Keegan.