11-year-old from Thorney Island receives Little Troopers Medal

 

11-year-old Will Maher from Thorney Island has been awarded a Little Trooper of the Month medal for determination and resilience. Will, whose dad serves in the Royal Artillery, has recently been diagnosed with ASD and has had to cope with lots of change over the last few months.

 

Will was only recently diagnosed with ASD. The diagnosis has helped the family understand why he struggled so much with the moves and changes that are part of military life. He finds it hard to move and make new friends. Mum said in her nomination that he always powers on regardless, supported by his sister Zara and the wider army family.

 

Julie, Wills Mum, added, “The last few months have been particularly hard. Will has recently started secondary school and having only been diagnosed in the last year, has found this incredibly challenging. His best friend also moved to boarding school and his dad has just deployed on a six-month tour.

 

That is a lot for anyone let alone a small person with a huge imagination. Will amazes me every day. He has proved to be resilient and strong even though most of the time he doesn’t recognise it in himself. He is an amazing artist, a promising guitarist and has some incredible dance moves! We are so very proud that Little Troopers have recognised him as the superstar we know he is!”

 

Louise, Founder of the charity Little Troopers, said, “Will has done incredibly well coping with so much in such a small amount of time. Military life is tough for any young person, but the extra challenges that Will has faced recently can make it a massive struggle. We are so proud of the way he has coped and delighted to award him Little Trooper of the Month.”

 

Will has received his own special Little Troopers medal, certificate and £100 Hobbycraft vouchers.