Chloe from Kingswood Receives Amy Johnson Cup for Courage on 5 May 2026

For the first time since 2012, the prestigious Amy Johnson Cup for Courage has been awarded, celebrating remarkable bravery among young people in Hull. The cup, named after the pioneering aviator Amy Johnson, is a significant accolade that recognises children who demonstrate extraordinary courage through a single act of bravery. This year, the award was given to a 12-year-old girl named Chloe from Kingswood, who acted heroically in a life-threatening situation involving her father.

A Moment of Courage

Chloe was faced with a terrifying scenario when her father collapsed while cooking dinner. He suffered two seizures, and in the midst of this crisis, Chloe quickly dialled 999 for emergency help. Realising the urgency of the situation, she also ran to fetch a neighbour, ensuring that assistance was on the way while they waited for the ambulance. The attending paramedic later confirmed that Chloe’s swift actions were crucial in saving her father’s life. During a ceremony held on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, at the Guildhall, Chloe was presented with her replica of the prestigious cup by the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull, Councillor Cheryl Payne. This date was particularly significant as it marked exactly 96 years since Amy Johnson embarked on her historic solo flight from London to Australia, becoming the first woman to achieve this remarkable feat.

Honouring a Legacy

The Amy Johnson Cup for Courage has a rich history, dating back to the 1930s. It was originally funded through gold sovereigns gifted to Amy by school children in Sydney. The cup not only serves to honour Amy’s legacy but also encourages young people in Hull to embody the spirit of bravery and resilience. Councillor Cheryl Payne expressed her delight at being able to award the cup again after such a long gap. She stated, “I am so pleased that we have been able to award the Cup for the first time in over a decade. We have said in previous years that not having any candidates for the prize wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it suggested no children from our city had found themselves involved in a serious incident where they’d had to show bravery. However, we were keen to recognise the courage shown by anyone who did experience such a situation, and Chloe is a very worthy winner.”

Encouraging Future Nominations

The Amy Johnson Cup for Courage is now open for nominations for the 2026 award. Children born in Hull and aged 17 or under are eligible to be nominated, provided they have demonstrated courage through a significant act of bravery that occurred between 1 January and 31 December 2026. It is important to note that acts of bravery must not involve stunts or reckless behaviour. While the act does not have to occur in Hull, the child must be a resident of Hull at the time of the incident. Like Chloe, the winning child will receive a replica of the original cup, and their name will be inscribed in a special roll of honour book, ensuring their bravery is remembered.

Nominations for the 2026 prize are encouraged throughout the year, and the deadline for submissions will be announced later. Interested parties can send entries to civic.office@hullcc.gov.uk.

More Than Just an Award

The Amy Johnson Cup is more than just an award; it is a celebration of courage within the community. It aims to inspire young people to act bravely, while also highlighting the importance of looking out for one another in times of crisis. The recognition of Chloe’s actions serves as a powerful reminder of how individuals, regardless of age, can make a significant difference in the lives of others. The legacy of Amy Johnson continues to resonate within Hull, and the Amy Johnson Cup for Courage plays a vital role in encouraging the next generation to embody her pioneering spirit. With the announcement of this year’s winner and the call for nominations for 2026, the cup remains a beacon of hope and bravery for children in Hull and beyond. For more information about the Amy Johnson Cup for Courage and to keep up with the latest updates, visit the Hull History Centre.