A TEENAGER has been nominated for this year's York Community Pride Awards for his ‘fighting spirit’ when going through treatment for cancer.

Fourteen-year-old Ryan Miller, from Acomb, has been nominated for the Spirit of Youth award for his bravery last year.

As reported by The Press, Ryan received treatment for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and also underwent aggressive chemotherapy after a lump the size of a small orange developed on his neck. He then suffered from potentially-fatal sepsis and the bacterial infection c-diff.

The York High School student was nominated by his mother's close friend, Kerry Munton, who has known Ryan throughout his childhood and thinks his positive spirit throughout his recovery is an inspiration to others.

She said: “Ryan was diagnosed with cancer in the neck at the age of 13, just one week before his 14th birthday.

“He also suffered sepsis and for a while it was touch and go. He was very poorly and we were all worried but he managed to recover from it and showed everyone that he is a fighter.

“He fought off the cancer with such bravery even through the most difficult times."

Mrs Munton said Ryan had recovered and although he attends regular check-ups at hospital, he is happier than ever.

She said: “For all that Ryan has been through and at such a young age, I think he deserves to win a award."

Ryan’s mother, Katie Miller, said it was ‘amazing’ to hear that her son had been nominated.

She said: “He has been through so much and we are thankful to Kerry who nominated him.

“He is our little ray of sunshine and we are all relieved that he is healthy and happy again."

Ryan said he was very surprised to have been put forward for the award. He said: “I am very grateful for being nominated. It is such a surprise and one that I did not expect at all. Thank you to Kerry for nominating me.”

The Community Pride Awards are run by The Press in partnership with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is York-based healthcare organisation Benenden Health.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, the City of York Council area. Three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

Entries can be posted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN. Or submit your nomination online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride. The closing date for entries is July 26.

Nominations must include a supporting statement and may include a photograph, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.