A FIVE-year-old boy who overcame open heart surgery - only to diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia - has won a top children's award for bravery.

Jack Smith, of Westbourne Close, in Otley, was 18 months old when he underwent open heart surgery after being born with a hole in the heart.

The brave youngster pulled through but just over two years later when he was four years old he was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Now Jack, who goes to Westgate Infant School, is halfway through his two-year long treatment including chemotherapy and constant blood transfusions.

His mum, Sue Smith, said: "He had just turned four and he was diagnosed with leukaemia. Our daughter, Meg, was only three weeks old. We thought we had had our share and it was safe to go ahead and have another child. Then he was diagnosed with that."

Jack was presented with his Millennium Child of Achievement Award on Sunday by former Prime Minister John Major and Conservative leader William Hague at a glittering ceremony at London's Hilton Hotel.

Mrs Smith said: "Jack has had three lots of chemotherapy and he starts another later this week. He does cope with it very well and the drugs and the constant transfusions. He does get angry but he bounces back and he is not down for long."

The brave youngster insists on fitting school and homework around his treatment sessions.

Mrs Smith said: "He loves going to school, even if it's only for half a day or for a few hours. He goes as much as he can and the teachers accommodate him. The school has been brilliant."

Jack was just one of 150 children to receive an award last weekend at the celebrity-filled ceremony.

Mrs Smith said: "We had a really nice weekend. We just weren't prepared for what a big do it was.

"I spent most of the day crying. You just couldn't fail to be moved by the event. Some of the children had died before the ceremony. It really made you think - and it was brilliant to see Jack collect his award.

Jack, who was nominated by his Auntie Christine, was also given a yearbook and a £1,000 Airtours holiday with £250 spending money - but it is unlikely that he will be able to take a trip abroad - for the time being.

Mrs Smith said: "He is fine now but he could go to bed tonight and get an infection and we would be back in hospital so it is quite difficult to book because we could have to cancel at the last minute."

John Major said: "Each of the award winners has a story to tell, demonstrating the strength of character which make the awards thoroughly well deserved. Your achievements should provide inspiration to us all."

A spokeswoman for C&A, who supported the awards as their millennium project said: "We are a family retailer, with family values - our support for this unique charity gives us all a sense of pride."

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