COURAGE of 30 of the North-East and Cumbria’s most deserving and inspirational children was recognised at a special ceremony.

Each child who received a Brave Hearts crystal plinth, and a gift of their choice, was nominated for displaying outstanding courage and strength despite illness or adversity.

Penny Armstrong, eight, from Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, was diagnosed with a Wilms Tumour in 2014 and underwent chemotherapy, but relapsed earlier this year and had to start her treatment again.

Despite having to do this on a daily basis, she has found the reserves of courage to get through it and is really impressing the staff at the RVI with her sheer determination and strength of character.

Her mother, Lynsie, said: “She has been really remarkable. When she relapsed I wondered how she was going to cope because it was so horrendous first time around but she has been amazing.

“She is really proud of herself to get this award. She has been really looking forward to it.”

Blazej Sarniki, who is four and was born in Poland, but now lives in Darlington, was diagnosed with a bi-lateral Wilms Tumour and has had to have his kidneys removed as part of the treatments.

This means that as well as his chemotherapy he has dialysis three times a week, which keeps him away from home and from his twin brother, Oliver, and sister, Julia.

Alfie Harry Taylor, five, from Stanley, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when he was four and he is currently undergoing a lengthy treatment plan.

Due to his treatments and a number of infections Alfie has had to spend over 45 nights in hospital meaning that he has missed a lot of his early school days.

Liam Tough, 15, from Peterlee, was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension at the age of four.

As a result, he suffers from a number of symptoms including constant headaches, vision loss, nausea, balance problems, short term memory loss and severe fatigue.

Liam deals with all of this while trying to maintain a normal life and although he has missed a lot of school he is determined to complete his education and his ambition is to become pharmacist.

Fourteen-year-old Connor Bolton, from Spennymoor, was initially diagnosed with a Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour in July 2004 and underwent treatment at the time. He relapsed in May this year and is now having treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

His stepmother, Adele Codling, said: “The award just came out of the blue but it is nice surprise after everything he has been through.”

The awards, at St James’ Park in Newcastle, were presented by BBC Look North Presenter Carol Malia.

She said: “It’s an exceptionally moving day, completely led by the children, who are all brilliant characters.”