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Little Trooper of the Month

Harrison Cooney

March 2023

Harrison Cooney, aged 7, was born in Manchester but moved to Kinloss when he was a baby, as his Dad, Paul, serves in the British Army and was posted to Kinloss Barracks. Paul’s work regularly takes him away from the family home and he deployed overseas four times before Harrison was three, spending 4-6 months away at a time.

Sadly, in June last year Harrison’s Mum, Victoria, was diagnosed with cancer. Her health quickly deteriorated and after numerous stays in hospital and a month back at home, she passed away in September 2022.

Just a few weeks later, Harrison Dad became extremely poorly and was hospitalised for several weeks, which meant that Harrison and his younger brother Seth (aged 4) had to be looked after by his Grandma.

Harrison was nominated for the Little Trooper of the Month award by Kate Homer, an MOD support worker from Kinloss Primary School who wanted Harrison to be recognised for everything he has been through. She explains: “Harrison has showed nothing but strength, bravery and resilience with such a loss in his life. I am incredibly proud of Harrison’s kindness, compassion and empathy towards others, even when he’s been going through the most difficult time himself. He talks about his Mummy frequently in circle time and helps others to talk about how they feel. He is definitely a Little Trooper in our eyes.”

Dad, Paul, adds: “Harrison is a very caring boy who cannot do enough for me, his younger brother and those around him. He loves getting involved in lots of outdoor activities such as camping, cycling, hill walking and going to the beach and he also keeps himself busy with swimming lessons, beavers, baking and football.

“The last nine months have been really hard for us as a family but Harrison and Seth have coped with everything surprisingly well. Winning Little Trooper of the Month has brought a smile to Harrison’s face. His Mum would be so proud.”

Harrison will receive a medal, certificate and a £50 voucher from Little Troopers.

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, comments: “Our Little Trooper of the Month award scheme is all about recognising military children who have been through exceptional circumstances and deserve to know just how special they are. We were saddened to hear about the loss of Harrison’s Mum and we hope that his Little Troopers medal will help him to feel proud of himself and give him strength for the future.”

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Harrison Cooney

Nominate a Trooper of the month!

We want to recognise Little Troopers; children with parents serving in the British Armed Forces who have been exceptionally brave, inspirational or just extra special against all odds. 

This is an opportunity to really celebrate and shine a spotlight on the lives of incredible military children, hear the special stories and give them the recognition they really deserve.

Our monthly winner will receive a special prize, certificate and lasting recognition of a customised, unique medal. We will also shout about how amazing our winners our on our website, social media and other related publications.

Nominations welcomed from Unit Welfare Offices, Community Development Workers, Schools/Nurseries and of course YOU!

If you are not the parent or guardian of the child you are nominating you must ask permission and advise them you are nominating. We will need to contact them directly to progress a nomination if successful.

Unsuccessful nominations will not be contacted.

Please upload a recent photograph we can use for certificate and hall of fame if they win:

Eligible children: ANY child with a parent or step parent currently serving with the British Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force; wherever they live, reserve or regular, parents married or unmarried. Children can only win once. Please only nominate one child per nomination. Children of any age can be nominated. Please ensure all the information you submit is true and correct stating if the child is a step child/has a different father or mother to serving person.