A TEENAGER who fought sudden, crippling disabilities to take his GCSE exams has been presented with an award for his courage.

Seventeen-year-old Robert Hornby, of Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, was one of ten children given AOL's 2002 Child of Resolution awards at in the House of Lords yesterday.

In May 2000, Robert suffered brain haemorrhages due to a previously undetected heart condition.

His father, Robin said doctors at first gave him only two hours to live. He arrived at hospital paralysed and unable to speak.

Dorothy Gilbert, his teacher and therapist who helped him through the past two years, said: "He had courage and determination to get better."

He is now attending his normal school for about two hours of lessons a day.

Three County Durham children were also highly commended in the awards, for their exceptional educational achievements in spite of ill health.

Catherine Gunn, 16, of Pelton, has cystic fibrosis and her daily regime involves long physiotherapy sessions and antibiotics.

Philippa Julian, 13, of Stanley, has ME (chronic fatigue syndrome), but with the help of home tuition she is preparing for her key stage three SATS and is determined to return to school.

Lynsey O'Neil, 15, also from Stanley, has cystic fibrosis and needs two hours of treatment and medication every day.

The annual awards, founded by the National Association for the Education of Sick Children and backed by Internet firm AOL UK, recognise the achievements of children who have continued their education, in spite of illness or disability