A young boy who has spent long periods in hospital has been honoured in recognition of the courage he has shown in coping with a chronic heart condition.
Roman Williams, of Fishburn, County Durham, had a heart transplant, but there were complications with his kidneys, leaving him requiring dialysis several times a week.
This treatment is now being delivered at home, which has allowed the nine-year-old to attend Sedgefield Primary School more regularly and spend time with his friends.
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Despite everything he has been through he is said to be 'thriving' by his loving family.
On Thursday, he received a Brave Heart award at St James’ Park in Newcastle and was given a Lego roller coaster as a gift.
His mum, Zoe Pickering, said: “It is amazing and he is absolutely ecstatic about it.
“He loves Lego but also because of the fact he got to miss school and he go to St James’.
“He has been to Newcastle quite a lot because of his treatment and he had met a lot of the different players at different times.”
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The citation that was read at the special ceremony said: “He has never complained about all the procedures and treatments he has to undergo, and he copes remarkably well with the unpredictability of his condition.
“I think we can all agree with them that Roman is the very definition of a Brave Heart.”
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