A 12-YEAR-old boy who lost his sight after battling against a rare cancer has received an award recognising his bravery.

Hasan Sankriwala was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer which affects the retina of children, when he was one.

His right eye had to be removed by doctors at the specialist Birmingham Children’s Hospital to save his life before he underwent chemotherapy.

Although initially able to still see through his left eye, another detached retina has since left him with extremely limited overall vision. He is now registered blind.

But despite all the challenges he has faced, cricket-loving Hasan lives an active and happy life, and has learned how to ride a bike and climb trees.

Now, the youngster, who goes to Hanson Academy, has been named a Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) Champion

The award recognises the courage, resilience and patience shown by children affected by retinoblastoma throughout treatment and beyond.

Hasan's mother, Shahnaz, said: "Throughout everything Hasan has remained positive and developed the approach that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to.

"He is always happy and ends up giving all of us a lift when we are sometimes down. He's been an inspiration to us and everyone around him with his attitude and thoroughly deserves this award. We are very, very proud of him.

"While he was going through the treatment he was very brave, nothing really fazed him and he got on with things."

Hasan lives with his mother, father, Muneer, and brothers, Yaameen, 17, and Junaid, 15 in in Bullroyd Drive, Allerton.

"His older brothers treat him exactly the same as older brothers would," said Mrs Sankriwala.

"Hasan loves his iPhone. It is amazing how he accesses things. He can do his homework on there. He sits on it all day long, really.

"He loves playing cricket and plays visually-impaired cricket at school. He also loves swimming."

Hasan received a medal, framed certificate and a goody bag for becoming a CHECT Champion.

Joy Felgate, the chief executive of CHECT, said: "Every child affected by retinoblastoma faces huge disruption, upset and distressing treatment not to mention follow-on check-ups.

"We are delighted to recognise the courage, resilience and resourcefulness shown by Hasan throughout his treatment. He really is a thoroughly deserving champion."

CHECT offers one-to-one support for families and individuals affected by retinoblastoma, raises awareness of the signs and symptoms to prompt earlier diagnosis, and helps fund research into the disease.