Darcey Paddington
June 2022
Darcey Paddington has been named ‘Little Trooper of the Month’ after being nominated by her mum, Rebecca.
Darcey’s Dad, James, was deployed overseas earlier this year and has spent much of 2022 away from home, including every school holiday. The family also moved house in March this year which was another big change for Darcey and her younger sister, Niah. James is due to deploy again in October and will be away over Christmas.
Darcey is autistic which impacts her understanding of where her Dad is when he is away. Mum Rebecca explains: “She has really missed her Daddy while he has been away and will get upset when we drive past the base, as she wants me to find him for her. While it’s been difficult, she has also coped amazingly well, especially given that we have moved house again for the fifth time since Darcey was born. She’s settled in really well at her new preschool and is the most caring big sister to Niah. She’s an incredible little girl, navigating the world in her own way and teaching us along the way too. We’re over the moon that she has been recognised by Little Troopers.”
As ‘Little Trooper of the Month’, Darcey will receive a Little Troopers medal, certificate and a £50 voucher.
Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, said: “Having a parent deployed is one of the most challenging things that military children can go through and Darcey has now been through this three times in her four short years, as well as coping with the change of moving home five times too. We think she deserves to be recognised for coping with these challenges and we hope that her medal brings a smile to her face and makes her proud to be a little trooper.”
This month’s little trooper of the month award has kindly been sponsored by The Guru Company.
The Guru Company supports business leaders and business owners in their mission to lead extraordinarily successful teams, and businesses, by mastering the skills of self-leadership.”
Liz Smith, owner and founder of The Guru Company told us:
“As a Nana of 4 young military children I see the unique challenges they go through. So, it is such an honour to be in the position to sponsor this month’s Little Trooper.”