Beau Suckling was named ‘Little Trooper of the Month’ after showing immense bravery while undergoing multiple invasive surgeries while his Dad has been serving overseas with the British Army.

Beau lives with his Mum, Dad and big sister Freya in North Yorkshire. His Dad, Ben, serves in The Royal Lancers at Catterick Garrison and has spent 18 months away from home in the last two years due to various deployments, exercises and training courses. During this time, Beau has undergone numerous operations, long hospital stays and medical appointments due to complications with his oesophagus and stomach, which mean he is unable to eat orally. In 2021 he was fitted with a gastrostomy button after spending a year fitted with a nasogastric tube. Beau has shown immense bravery at every stage of his journey, despite often not having his Daddy by his side.  

Beau’s Dad has currently been away from home since September, when he sadly had to miss Beau’s first day at school, as well as missing Beau laying a poppy wreath at the local Remembrance parade in November. Beau was one of 2,500 children to receive a ‘Christmas Smiles’ box from the charity, Little Troopers, which were sent to forces children across the UK whose parents were serving away with the Armed Forces over the Christmas period.

Beau is currently on the waiting list for another extensive procedure and is hoping his Dad will be home in time to come to hospital with him.

Beau’s Mum, Katy, nominated him for the award. Katy comments: “Beau has been through so much at such a young age but he never makes a fuss and has been really brave and resilient through every appointment, operation and hospital stay. It’s been especially difficult for him with his Dad being away so much, but he has continued to take each day as it comes and we could not be more proud of how he’s faced each challenge head on. It’s wonderful that his bravery has been recognised by Little Troopers and it’s special for him to have his very own medal.”

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, adds: “Our Little Trooper of the Month award is all about shining a light on military children who have been especially brave and resilient alongside the challenges that forces life can bring. Being separated from your parent for long periods of time is hard enough, but to also undergo life changing surgery and constant trips in and out of hospital during this time, must have been really hard for Beau and his family. Beau is such a little trooper and we hope he is looking forward to showing his Daddy his medal when he comes home.”

Beau will receive a special Little Troopers medal to wear, as well as a gift voucher and certificate from Little Troopers.

This month, our Little Trooper of the Month Award has been sponsored by technology group, Thales.