A THIRSK School pupil with a life-limiting disorder has been named a radio station’s Ultimate Local Hero.

Caitlin Kelly, 11, also received Minster FM’s Child Of Achievement Award at an awards ceremony at York Racecourse.

Caitlin was nominated by her mother, Julie, for her determination to embrace life despite the demands of her daily treatment and hospital admissions for cystic fibrosis, a disease which mainly affects the lungs and pancreas, but can involve other organs.

Mrs Kelly said her daughter had taken part in fundraising events, including charity runs, and is passionate about raising awareness of the condition.

She said: “Caitlin lets nothing get her down and one day she told me that if she could cure a serious illness she would choose to cure cancer as she can live with her cystic fibrosis.

“For an 11-year-old with an illness with no cure we were totally amazed at her maturity.”

Caitlin, who is a member of York Sea Cadets, was diagnosed aged three with the condition and nearly died after catching pneumonia, while suffering liver disease.