Exceptional bravery, courage and a selfless act to save your brother.

What more could proud mum Loraine Smith ask for in her two sons Charles, 12, and Ben Smith, ten, who are the very essence of both bravery and courage.

Two years ago, Charles, of Fennell Close, Tiptree, was told he had a rare form of leukaemia - acute myeloid leukaemia.

The brave youngster had to undergo four courses of chemotherapy in a bid to battle against the disease, but what he really needed was a bone marrow transplant.

And it was his brother Ben, who proved a compatible match as a donor.

The operation proved to be a success and Charles is now in good health, and in February his courage in battling the illness was recognised when he was presented with a Child of Achievement Award.

And now Ben's bravery, in undergoing a bone marrow operation, has earned him a very special award named after his own brother - the Charles Smith Award.

Charles's old school, St Luke's Primary in Tiptree, named the award after him, in honour of his courage, and it is presented annually to a child who has overcome difficulties.

The award was presented to Ben by his mum and Charles, now at Thurstable School in the village, was there to see his brother's proud moment.

"Ben has received the award this year because he just got on with life as normal when everything around him was falling apart," said Mrs Smith.

"He was really chuffed as you can imagine. It was a complete surprise for him and his brother."

Charles and Ben Smith

By Lisa Cockrell

Reporter's e-mail: lisa_cockrell@thisisessex.co.uk

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