A SEVEN-year-old boy from Rhyl has received a Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People Star Award in recognition of his bravery.
Noah Buchanan was just months old when he was diagnosed with Juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) - a rare form of childhood cancer, and spent 10 days in intensive care.
The youngster wasn't expected to make it through but brave Noah defied the odds after undergoing gruelling chemo chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
The youngster still undergoes treatment and has mobility issues; The Ysgol Christchurch pupil struggles with his legs.
Noah has tackled shingles, sepsis, MRSA, chicken pox and abscesses but mum Kirsty Harley said to look at him, you wouldn't think anything is wrong.
Kirsty said: "He does get quite upset but he has a good group of friends and teachers who encourage him. His friends will wait for him.
"He needs to grow a little bit more but we are discussing having an operation at the moment.
"He is the little superhero of the family. He kicked cancer's arse. Not all superheroes wear capes.
"I've never been so proud of him."
As well as a star shaped trophy, Noah, who has siblings Kayden, Leon, Faith-Elise and Frankie, received a £50 TK Maxx gift card, t-shirt and a certificate signed by celebrities.
Every child nominated receives the accolade, which is backed by a host of famous faces including celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, TV personality Dr Ranj and children’s TV favourite Mister Maker.
Kirsty added: "The star is quite heavy we've put it on the shelf in the living room but he was made up with it."
Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Wales, said: “It is a privilege to be able to celebrate Noah’s incredible bravery with a Star Award.
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“Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment - and many youngsters may experience serious long-term side effects. That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to ensure more children and young people survive cancer with a good quality of life.
“We’re urging people in Wales to nominate inspirational children like Noah for a Star Award now, so that many more affected by this devastating disease can receive the acknowledgement they so richly deserve.”
The Star Awards are run in partnership with TK Maxx. Since 2004, the retailer has raised more than £44 million for vital research to help improve survival.
To nominate a 'star' visit cruk.org/starawards
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