Prince Harry meets inspirational parents looking after seriously ill kids – and cracks jokes to put a smile their face

PRINCE Harry paid tribute to the inspirational parents battling to give their poorly children ordinary lives - telling them "you're professionals".

He met mums who have dedicated their lives to raising their kids at home despite major health problems.

There were smiles all round as the prince cracked jokes and chatted to members of the charity WellChild's parental advisory group at Buckingham Palace tonight.

The devoted mums and dads have started sharing their daily experiences online backed the charity, of which Harry is a patron.

The #NOTANURSE_BUT campaign sees them describe the medical care they provide for their own kids despite not being nurses.

Prince Harry, 32, told them: "You've been able to share your experiences.

"Now you're professionals at this. You've got to try to share these experiences and help other people.

"I'd imagine it's one hell of a decision to say I want my children at home."

Among the mums was Hayley Smallman, 40, from Liverpool, who faces the agonising knowledge she will one day lose her daughter Holly, who has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and epilepsy, among other health problems.

Hayley said after meeting the prince: "One of the best days of your life isn't it, when you get to have a one-on-one with Prince Harry.

"Our normal routine is so far away from this world and to be invited to Buckingham Palace for the day - it's just elevated us completely.

"All week we have been giddy with excitement."

Prince Harry had met the pair before, when visually-impaired Holly's sister Ruby was given an award for looking after her by WellChild in 2015.

Hayley said: "Before he actually spoke to Holly, he said to me - 'how am I best to communicate with her?'

"I said 'it would be best if you held her hand and talked to her so she could feel you,' use her other senses.

"And he gets down on his knee, and he holds her hand."

Rhian Greenslade, 47, a WellChild nurse, said: "Prince Harry was very friendly, I've been a WellChild nurse for eight years and he was just saying how beneficial the role is.

"We talk to parents about the emotional and financial difficulties they face and help prepare them for bringing their children home."

Harry also spoke to Sarah Mena, 49, who faces the heartbreaking prospect of having to turn down around 80 per cent of families due to lack of funding.

She is a co-ordinator for the Helping Hands project - which provides house and garden makeovers so children are able to enjoy living at home.

When she revealed she also sometimes has to say no, Prince Harry told her: "It's a tough job but someone's got to do it."

Sarah later said: "We were just talking about how we could attract more companies to help out."

The project relies on firms to provide volunteers to help with renovations and the cost of materials, which alone is £2,000 per home.

Since becoming a patron 10 years ago, the prince has met many children who have been helped to live at home thanks to WellChild.

He invited the staff and parents to a thank you reception at Buckingham Palace tonight to mark the charity's 40th anniversary.

WellChild helps families kit out their homes and gardens so the youngsters find it easier.

Every year the charity holds an awards ceremony for the children it helps, along with their families - and Harry meets the winners.

Matt James, communications director for WellChild, said: "Harry has attended the WellChild awards for the last 10 years and before the award ceremony he meets all of our award winners.

"A lot of them are dealing with exceptional health needs and going through really challenging circumstances.

"Meeting Harry really gives them a lift and he allows us to get our message out."

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