THE bravery of a young leukaemia patient and his family have been praised, as treatment for his condition continues.

Freddie Hyde, from Clifton, York, was diagnosed with the potentially-fatal blood disease last year, and has undergone months of chemotherapy, and drugs injected into his spine.

Margaret Hyde, Freddie’s grandmother, praised the bravery the seven-year-old showed facing his treatment, which left him tired and losing his hair.

She said: “He knows what is wrong with him and he has faced up to his illness with courage and fortitude.

“Obviously he becomes upset when he feels ill and is in pain, but carries on.

“To watch a child so young have to cope with a serious and painful illness is heartbreaking, but he laughs and plays when he can, and appears to take everything in his stride.”

Margaret is so proud of Freddie’s bravery, she has nominated him for Child Of The Year at the 2011 Press Community Pride Awards. She has also nominated Freddie’s parents, Simon and Lesley, for their strength during Freddie’s illness.

Margaret said: “They care for Freddie so well and are so brave, and from day one have just got on with it. They have found love and strength to care for Freddie so well during this long and awful illness and its treatment.

“I am proud to be Simon’s mum and Lesley’s mother-in-law. Nothing is too much trouble for them and I have never heard them moan or complain, even in the darkest days.”

The Community Pride Awards are run by The Press, with City of York Council and local businesses, to celebrate inspirational people and unsung heroes in the city.

Nominations close on Friday, and winners will be invited to a special awards ceremony in October.

All nominees must live within the City of York Council tax area.

To make a nomination, go to thepress.co.uk/pride.

Deadline for all entries is Friday, July 22, 2011.