A 10-year-old boy from Inverness has received a medal from a military children’s charity for coping with the pressures of being in a forces family.
Arran Dawson has been named “Little Trooper of the Month” for being resilient and coping with some of the unique challenges that military life can bring.
The charity Little Troopers gave him the award after he moved to Inverness in May and started a new school, just weeks after his grandmother unexpectedly died from cancer at Easter.
Arran was nominated by his mum, Shannon, who explains: “The last few months have been very overwhelming for Arran so I nominated him for the Little Troopers award.
“I want him to know that we are so proud of him and we think he deserves a medal for everything he has been through.”
‘Proud to have a medal like my dad’
After winning his award, Arran said: “I couldn’t believe it when my Mum told him I’d won the Little Troopers award. Being a military child isn’t always easy but I’m really proud to have my own medal to show for it – just like my Dad.”
Arran received a medal, a certificate, and a £50 voucher for winning.
Military life is challenging for many young families as the nature of the role often requires them to move home regularly and spend time apart.
Arran’s dad has just been deployed overseas for six months and will miss his son’s 11th birthday.
Challenges facing military children
Louise Fetigan, the founder of Little Troopers, said: “In the last six months Arran has had to cope with three of the biggest challenges facing military children – deployment, moving home and moving school.
“To go through all of these just after losing his grandma must have been especially difficult.
“We hope that this award helps Arran to feel proud of everything he has been through and shows him that we all think he is a special little trooper.”
Little Troopers is a charity supporting children who have parents serving in the British Armed Forces.
To find out more or get involved, visit here.
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