A DUDLEY schoolboy who braved intolerable pain before being diagnosed with cancer has had his courage recognised with a special award.

Ollie-Shea Quinn's symptoms began in November last year, when he was struggling to walk due to a crumbling hip bone.

He was originally diagnosed with a bone infection called osteomyelitis but lengthy antibiotic treatment had no effect and his condition grew steadily worse.

The seven-year-old was eventually diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma at Birmingham Children's Hospital in April and immediately started a course of chemotherapy.

“He began to get better within two days of his first chemotherapy session,” said his mum, Julie, from Woodsetton.

“It was amazing and such a relief for us. We were used to seeing him on morphine and screaming in pain, but the cancer treatment just worked like a dream.

"He was a model patient and the cancer team there have been absolutely fantastic. We can’t thank them enough.”

The plucky youngster is now back at Cotwall End primary school having finished his treatment, although he receives scans every three months to monitor progress.

The Quinns hope Ollie-Shea’s remission marks the end of a tragic few years, which have seen dad Mick became disabled with rheumatoid arthritis and the couple lose their baby daughter Millie to a heart defect.

To mark the bravery Ollie-Shea has showed throughout his treatment, he has received a special star-shaped trophy for the bravery after his proud mum nominated him for Cancer Research UK’s Kids and Teens Star Award.

She said: “As soon as I heard about the awards I put Ollie-Shea forward. He has endured such pain and trauma, no one deserves it more.

"It is amazing to see him get better after all he has suffered.

“We’re so grateful for the treatment that saved his life.

"Success stories like ours would not be possible without the charity’s life-saving work, which in turn relies on everyone who raises vital funds.”

Jane Redman, Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: “Ollie-Shea is a true ‘star’ who richly deserves this award. His family have been through an incredibly tough time.

“Cancer has a devastating impact on children, forcing them to show bravery beyond their years."

Ollie-Shea also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card and a certificate signed by celebrities including Strictly Come Dancing stars Kevin and Karen Clifton, children’s TV presenters Justin Fletcher and Mister Maker and kids’ TV pop group Go!Go!Go!

To nominate a child, donate or fundraise in support of Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens visit cruk.org/kidsandteens.