AN EVESHAM schoolboy facing another three years of cancer treatment has had his courage recognised with a special award.

Eleven-year-old Myles Hemsley was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in November last year.

Chemotherapy treatment began immediately and despite being allowed home in December he was forced to spend Christmas in hospital due to an infection.

The youngster’s bravery so impressed hospital staff that he was nominated for a Cancer Research UK’s Kids & Teens Star Award, in partnership with TK Maxx.

Every child nominated receives the accolade, which is backed by a host of celebrities including England captain Wayne Rooney and singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé.

There is no judging panel because the charity and TK Maxx believe that every child who faces cancer is extra special.

Myles’ proud mum Emma, a former receptionist at the De Montfort School which Myles attends, recalls the day she was told Myles had cancer.

“He’d been very pale for a couple of weeks so we asked for a blood test thinking he might have anaemia. He had the test on the Friday and on the Saturday morning we got a call from the GP asking us to bring him into the surgery for more tests."

He was sent to Gloucester Royal Hospital that day where he received a blood transfusion and doctors confirmed his mother's and father Dean's worst fears.

“He’d never been a poorly child or had to take any medication before but he dealt with it really well,” she said.

“He’s finding it hard not to be able to do all the things he loves like playing football and going on his bike but he’s been really keen to get back into school so he’s doing little and often.”

Myles even persuaded senior staff to set up a tuck shop on the ward as a treat for the children.

And Liverpool FC fan Myles received his own treat when a friend organised a surprise visit for him from former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann, in November.

Myles has undergone two cycles of chemotherapy so far and is set for another 12 weeks of intense treatment. After that he will be on a less intense form of ‘maintenance’ chemotherapy until the end of 2018. By then he will be almost 14.

While more youngsters are surviving cancer than ever before, the disease is the leading cause of death in under 25s in the UK, taking the lives of around 520 young people each year.

That’s why Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens is raising funds to find cures and kinder treatments for children, teens and young adults with cancer.

Paula Young, Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens spokesperson for Worcestershire, presented Myles with a special star-shaped trophy. He also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card and a certificate signed by celebrities including Strictly Come Dancing stars Kevin and Karen Clifton, children’s TV presenters Justin Fletcher and Mister Maker and kids’ TV pop group Go!Go!Go!

She said: “Cancer has a devastating impact on children, forcing them to show an incredible bravery beyond their years, so it is a privilege to be able to recognise the courage of youngsters like Myles. He is a true ‘star’ who richly deserves this accolade."

To support Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens visit: www.cruk.org/kidsandteens