Bishop’s Stortford College Pupil Wins Child of Courage Award at Indie Awards
Bishop’s Stortford College Year 6 pupil, Ben Hardy, was presented with the Child of Courage Award at the 2026 Bishop’s Stortford Indie Community Awards, held at Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Football Club on Friday 23 January.
Ben Hardy (C) with Laura Ager (L) and Bishop's Stortford College Head of the Prep School, Rachael Cox (R)
The Indies celebrate the selfless service and courage in adversity displayed daily by citizens of Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted and Sawbridgeworth.
10-year-old Ben, who has been visually impaired since the age of one and undergone numerous operations, has raised over £15,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital and Addenbrooke’s Hospital through his fundraising efforts. He has completed various challenges, refusing to let his disability hold him back. Most recently, Ben completed an 8km sponsored swim with the support of his College swimming teacher, Laura Ager. Using sensory techniques and voice as a guide, Laura has been teaching Ben to swim since he joined the College at age five.
Bishop’s Stortford College was also delighted to once again sponsor the Contribution to the Arts Award. Head of the Prep School, Rachael Cox, presented the award to this year’s winner, Sonia Levy, who launched the Stansted Music Club over 30 years ago, bringing world class musicians to the village. Sonia is also a piano teacher, having taught Old Stortfordian, and Grammy award winning artist, Charlotte Aitcheson (GH, BH, 99-10), professionally known as Charli XCX.
Bishop’s Stortford College would like to extend their congratulations to all the winners from this year’s Indie Community Awards.
January 2026