A four-year-old who is battling leukaemia has been honoured for his bravery by Cancer Research UK. OLIVER EVANS speaks to his proud mum.

For brave little Joe Jenkins' parents June 11 will never just be another carefree summer day.

It was on this day last year that mum Jilly, 36, took her firstborn to the GP - and began a chain of events which would change all their lives.

Joe - who she says loves dinosaurs and is the "constant companion" of 18-month-old brother Jack - had a cold he couldn't shake off.

Jilly, of Whinneys Road, Loudwater, Wycombe, said: "I thought it was some kind of bug. He had lost all his energy."

But it soon became apparent something else was wrong.

He was taken to Wycombe Hospital for blood tests and by tea-time Jilly and quantity surveyor husband Paul, 41, were given the devastating news - it looked like their son had leukaemia.

This was confirmed the next day.

Jilly, a former primary school teacher, said: "It was an absolute shock. It was hard to accept, it felt like our world had fallen apart.

"You never think it is going to be your own child, you always think it will happen to somebody else."

As Joe spent six weeks at John Radcliff Hospital, Oxford the family pulled tightly together - and driving it was the determined spirit of their son.

"Gruelling" chemotherapy would sap his energy and meant he had to give up his beloved playgroup.

But Jilly said: "He's an absolute trooper.

"He very rarely complains or makes a fuss. He doesn't moan about not seeing his friends as much as he used to or question why he no longer attends playgroup"

Through it all he has still been "the most caring and loving little boy".

Now Joe has received a Little Star Award from Cancer Research UK to honour his courage.

He has a trophy as a permanent reminder of his bravery and a certificate signed by celebrities including Dr Who star David Tennant and footballer Ryan Giggs.

Looking to the future, although Joe will receive treatment up to 2010 he is due to start at Carrington Infant School, Flackwell Health.

Jilly said: "He has been very lucky he has the type of leukaemia with the highest success rate.

"There is no reason why he should not make a full recovery."

* Entries are being sought for the charity's annual fundraising race through High Wycombe on June 15.

It will be the sixth year the 5k Race for Life will take place in the town, at the Rye.

To enter visit www.raceforlife.org/south or call 0871 641 2274.