Military charity Little Troopers honours brave five-year-old Polly for strength beyond her years

Little Troopers is proud to announce Polly, aged five, as our latest Little Trooper of the Month.

Polly has lived with several complex medical conditions since birth, resulting in frequent hospital admissions across the country. She is currently receiving specialist treatment and care at Great Ormond Street Hospital for her gastrointestinal, metabolic and endocrine conditions.

Throughout her medical journey, Polly continues to demonstrate remarkable bravery and resilience, while also navigating the unique challenges of military life. Her daddy is currently deployed with Commando Helicopter Force, serving as a pilot with the Royal Marines.

Despite requiring regular time away from school for hospital admissions and travel to and from Great Ormond Street Hospital, Polly remains kind, helpful and determined. She was recently selected as a class councillor, a role that reflects her caring nature, confidence and positive spirit.

Polly also bravely shares her experience of living with an ileostomy stoma and feeding tube, helping to raise awareness and inspire others. Through her confidence, she spreads the message that “inclusivity shapes the way little minds see the world and how they believe the world sees them.”

Living with a stoma and feeding tube presents daily challenges and uncertainty, but Polly’s medical equipment has also given her the ability to thrive and enjoy life to the fullest.

Polly was nominated by her mum, Lauren, who said:

“Polly is an incredibly brave, resilient and kind little soul who faces more medical challenges than most, and she does so with a strength that’s truly inspiring. Even when Daddy is away flying helicopters, she meets each day with courage, patience and a heart full of love.

She embraces the friendships, opportunities and adventures that military life brings, finding joy and connection wherever she goes. Through it all, Polly’s warmth and positivity shine brightly and she is super-duper proud of her Daddy, just as everyone around her is so very proud of her.”

As her prize, Polly chose a Hobbycraft voucher and plans to buy arts and crafts supplies to share with her friends at Great Ormond Street Hospital during her next stay.

Louise, founder of Little Troopers, said:

“What a wonderful Little Trooper of the Month to start 2026 with. Polly truly deserves this award and her nomination is so well deserved.

Showing such incredible resilience and positivity while navigating both medical challenges and military life is truly inspirational. Well done Polly – you really are amazing.”