YOUNGSTER Steven Gaskin has had to deal with pain all his life - but he does not let it get the better of him. The 10-year-old Spurs fan has shown so much courage that he has been honoured for his bravery.

Steven was chosen from 10,000 entries to be one of 150 young people across the country to receive a Child of Achievement Award. At a ceremony in London, Steven was presented with his award by children’s TV presenter Neil Buchanan.

Steven, a pupil at the West Kent Hospital School at Longfield, near Gravesend, has Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome. It is a hereditary condition, which causes many problems such as low immunity, susceptibility to recurrent infection and a tendency to bleed and bruise easily.

Steven’s brother Jason, 12, is also a sufferer and is currently in Great Ormond Street Hospital recovering from a bone marrow transplant, the only hope of curing the genetic disorder. Steven’s nine-year-old sister Natalie carries the gene, but is not a sufferer.

Steven, said: “I feel very proud and honoured to be chosen and will accept it for myself and for my brother Jason. Mrs Karen Hillman, my old teacher, put me up for the award as she said I had been through a lot since I was born and have coped with it well through the years.”

Steven had a bone marrow transplant two years ago this October. Before the transplant he spent periods of time in a wheelchair. He had severe joint infections which limited his mobility. Now he is able to run around and enjoy life. His parents Sharon, 34, and Gary, 40, are hoping Jason shares the same future.

Steven and Natalie are being looked after by their nan, Margaret Whiskin, at their family home in Grieves Road, Northfleet, while their parents keep a vigil at Jason’s bedside.