A RUNCORN youngster who suffers from a range of illnesses has received an award for bravery.

Thomas Heeley, seven, of Heath Road, earned the accolade of “Bravest Youngster” at this year’s Wire FM’s local heroes awards held at the Stobart Stadium Halton.

The Westfield Primary School pupil suffers from severe allergies, an eye condition, excema and alopecia totalis - a condition which has resulted in total hair loss.

Mike Baker, senior station director at the station, paid tribute to Thomas.

He said: “He deals remarkably well with his condition but also, sadly, has to endure taunts and unpleasant comments about his appearance from some people.

“He is a true local hero and just the kind of person that the awards were set up to recognise.

“The ceremony was very moving and we heard a number of stories on the night, like Thomas’s, that were extremely touching.”