A BRAVE Irvine boy, who warms hearts in his superhero costumes, has been recognised for his courage in the face of cancer.

Ace Ward was diagnosed with leukaemia just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. He had to learn to walk and even swallow again after the disease left him fighting for his life in an intensive care ward for four weeks.

Now the six-year old has received a Cancer Research UK (CRUK) for Children and Young People Star Award, in partnership TK Maxx, in recognition of his remarkable courage during months of treatment, 20 surgeries and more than 20 blood transfusions.

Previously the Times told how his mum, Vicky Ward, 34, and dad Brian, 38, as well as brother Harrison, 10, and Hallie, eight, threw a superhero party to welcome Ace home from hospital. Dressed as Marvel comic character Deadpool, Ace blew out the candles on his cake to mark the event.

Vicky said: “We are proud of our own superhero and wanted to celebrate his strength.

“We nearly lost Ace this year and it’s been an incredibly emotional time. But Ace is a brilliant choice of name as it describes perfectly what my little boy is like. When my husband and I were told Ace had cancer we were devastated.

“Right from day one we only ever cried when we were out of his room though. Ace’s smiles and determination shone through, even helping us get through some days.“

Around 140 children are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland every year, according to CRUK statistics. More children and young people are surviving cancer than ever before, thanks in large part to the work of CRUK. But the disease still claims the lives of around 510 under 25s in the UK every year.

Cancer in children is different to cancer in adults – from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment. That’s why CRUK for Children and Young People is supporting research to improve survival and reduce long term side effects for youngsters like Ace.

Vicky said: “Take it one day at a time.

“Live for the moment has a very different meaning to me now. It means special time at home with my family. I’m proud of all three of my children. Ace is such a caring wee boy and is our star.”

Lisa Adams, spokeswoman for CRUK for Children and Young People in Scotland, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate [Ace’s] courage with a Star award.

“We’re encouraging people across Scotland to nominate inspirational youngsters for this year’s Star awards.”

The Star awards are run in partnership with TK Maxx, the biggest corporate supporter of CRUK’s work in to children’s and young people’s cancers.