A DYING teenager from Oxford who has been battling terminal cancer for the past six years has been honoured for his courage, bravery and charity work.

Jake Spicer, from Shepherds Hill, Blackbird Leys, has been cared for at Helen & Douglas House hospice for the past week.

The 15-year-old, who is known to his classmates at St Gregory the Great School as the OX4 Soldier, was honoured as part of the annual Oxfordshire Youth Awards.

Today, he received a Special Recognition Award, which was presented by British GT racing driver, and friend, Aaron Scott, for the work he has done to raise money for a host of cancer charities.

Mr Scott, 30, who struck up his friendship with Jake five years ago, said: “Since I first met Jake, I have never once heard him complain. When I have had a bad race, Jake’s the one emailing me and giving me a kick up the backside and asking what the hell happened.

“I am honoured to be here to present this award to him.”

Since Jake was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer, he has endured major operations, as well as countless courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

But Jake was determined not to let it ruin his life and, as well as continuing to attend school when he felt able, he ploughed his energy into raising money for the charities which had helped him.

The young motorbike fanatic, who was made an honorary member of the Oxford Chapter of the Harley Davidson bikers group two years ago, was watched by his family as he received the award.

Jake said: “I did all the charity work to give something back to the people who have helped me so much — Thomas Ball, Over The Wall, everyone. I just wanted to help other young people who have cancer have a normal life.”

Jake’s mother Lesley Spicer said: “He has so much to cope with and yet all he ever does is think about other people. It’s so amazing he is actually here to accept the award, he struggles each and every day and that’s what makes him so special — he is a fighter.”

The Oxfordshire Youth Awards, which are being co-ordinated by the Oxfordshire Association for Young People, take place on July 9 at Oxford Town Hall.

awilliams@oxfordmail.co.uk