Children's charity film up for national award

A charity's short film, featuring neurodivergent and disabled children, has been nominated for a national award.

Caudwell Children, based in Keele, Staffordshire, was nominated in the 2026 Smiley Charity Film Awards which recognises cause-based film campaigns.

The video, entitled My Potential, My Way was created by the charity's in-house marketing team, and highlights some of the dreams and aspirations of the children they work with.

People can vote for their favourite film until Friday.

The charity said many families felt their disabled or neurodivergent child was unable to achieve their full potential due to societal pressures.

Leeland, 11, is a wheelchair user with a passion for football and is among those featured in the film.

His mum Christabel said he wanted to be independent and a "strong football leader" in the future.

"Even if a person has a disability, you can still look to the future and be inspired by people and make a difference in life," she said.

"Everyone should be accepted for who they are and what they want to do, making the world a better place."

Eight-year-old Harper is another of those in the film - she aims to become a film director.

"I'd like to see a change in the world around the stigma surrounding disability and neurodivergences," her dad Bradley said.

Caudwell Children's director of marketing Michael Harper said the charity was "extremely proud" of the film.

"The Smiley Charity Film Awards gives us a vital platform to highlight the unique potential of the children we see every day, their individual needs, and the personalised support we offer," he said.

Founded in 2000 by entrepreneur John Caudwell, Caudwell Children is dedicated to supporting disabled and neurodivergent children and their families.

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