I am writing on behalf of my daughter, Sam, who won a courageous child award.

We would like to say a huge thank you for a wonderful, special evening which we all thoroughly enjoyed. Everyone deserved to win that night and to spend time in the company of so many outstanding people was a privilege we will never forget.

As for Sam, well, people with learning difficulties and disabilities seldom get an opportunity to shine despite the constant hurdles they overcome on a daily basis and which, sadly, are just normal to them.

Never grumbling or moaning about how hard things can be but just getting on with it the best they can.

They do in fact shine most of the time, but their efforts and progress usually go unnoticed. However, Friday night was different.

Sam was a star - rewarded for all her determination and struggles - and she is still on a high from winning her award.

Thank you once again to The Argus and Seeboard for making this night happen and giving our daughter a night to remember for the rest of her life.

We all really appreciate it more than you ll ever know

-Linda and Leslie Boyes, Saltdean