A SCHOOLBOY from Moreton who was recently diagnosed with cancer has won an award for his bravery.

Craig Reeve, a pupil at The Cotswold School in Bourton, has been recognised in Cancer Research UK’s Little Star Awards, which acknowledges the unique challenges faced by youngsters with cancer.

The 11-year-old, of Beceshore Close, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in September after long periods of feeling unwell.

“I had been feeling tired and didn’t have energy,” he said. “Then I started feeling sick all the time and eventually I couldn’t do anything.”

After being diagnosed, the youngster was admitted to Bristol Children’s Hospital where he suffered an allergic reaction to the drugs given to him which delayed his chemotherapy for several weeks. But his treatment is now well under way and is expected to last for three years.

“The worst thing is probably having to go into hospital so much and not being able to do normal things,” he said. “I like to go out a lot and I can’t do that anymore because I have to be careful where I go because of the risk of picking up infections.

“The drugs have also affected my joints and I have to use a wheelchair as I cannot walk far at the moment.

“But doctors said that should improve after treatment.

Having my family around me has helped me to face this.”

Craig’s mum Lynette Herbert said: “I don’t think I could go through what he is without complaining. He is a little Trojan and I am so proud of him.”

His stepfather, Michael Herbert, who nominated him for the award, said: “Despite everything, Craig has remained cheerful. He wants visitors to give money to children’s cancer charities rather than bring him presents and he has impressed hospital staff with his willingness to learn what is going on around him.”

Helen Johnstone, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Gloucestershire, said: “Craig is an inspirational young man who richly deserves his Little Star Award.”