A COURAGEOUS little boy who is battling leukaemia has been given a national award.

Oscar Long, aged three, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia – a cancer of the white blood cells – in June this year.

Due to the bravery he has shown throughout his treatment he has received a Star Award from Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens.

Oscar, who lives in Tottington with his family, was nominated for the award by his mum Leanne Cawte after she heard about the accolade while Oscar was in hospital.

Miss Cawte said she was extremely proud of her little boy who she has described as “my little star.”

She said: “I wanted to nominate Oscar because he’s my little star.

“He has been such a brave boy during his treatment and always has a smile on his face.”

The awards celebrate the courage of children in the UK who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Oscar was diagnosed after his mum found bruises all over his body and he went very pale and lethargic.

The doctor found a lump on Oscar’s stomach and referred him for a scan a week later but the next day Oscar woke up at 8am and was back in bed exhausted by 9am and slept until 3pm.

They took him to A&E at Royal Bolton Hospital where blood tests suggested Oscar had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

He was then transferred to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Miss Cawte said she was totally devastated by the news her son had cancer.

She said : “I was physically sick when they told me Oscar had cancer and my first thought was we’re going to lose him.”

Oscar immediately began treatment and they hoped that he would be cancer-free and able to go home before Christmas but unfortunately he caught an infection earlier this month which delayed his treatment.

The family now hope he will finish his chemotherapy in the New Year and hope to take him on a special holiday afterwards to celebrate.

Miss Cawte said her son had amazed all the family and hospital staff doctors and nurses with his bravery.

She added: “Although Oscar doesn’t understand what’s going on he’s dealt with it amazingly.

“He’s been great and even when he’s really sick he always had a smile on his face through it all.

“The nurses all love him.

“He’s a little chatterbox who just doesn’t stop!

“We’re now just looking forward to getting him home and taking him on a special holiday.”

To nominate a child for a Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Award, in partnership with TK Maxx, or to donate or fundraise in support please visit cruk.org/kidsandteens