Brave Heart

CHEERFULNESS and determination were written across the face of 10-year-old John Howard as he stepped up to receive a Child of Achievement Award in London on Sunday.

John, who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus, was one of 150 children honoured at the ceremony in the glittering surroundings of the Hilton Hotel's grand ballroom.

He was nominated for the award by Jonathan Paine, his teacher at Rustington County Primary School, who wrote of John's brave heart, cheerfulness and determination.

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"It would be easy for John to use his physical limitations as an excuse not to participate instead he uses them as an opportunity to challenge and push himself to the limit, to see what next he might achieve," John's award statement says.

In spite of walking with sticks and having to wear full leg splints, John enjoys playing in goal for hockey and is now learning how to play basketball at school.

"Every year he grows up, he seems to improve," said John's proud mum, Julie, who travelled with husband David and their other son, Ryan, five, from the family home at The Winter Knoll, Littlehampton, to attend the award ceremony.

As well as a trophy and certificate, and lots of autographs of celebrities attending the awards, John received a 2,500 voucher from holiday company, Airtours, which the family will use for a trip to Disney World.

"He had a great day and keeps on talking about all the stars he met. He has a lovely personality and I think that gets him through."

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