A 12-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer's love of swimming has landed him a national Child of Achievement award.

Daniel Steward, of Montgomery Road, Caversfield, near Bicester, touched the hearts of hundreds of spectators when he took to the pool at the Bicester Sports Centre last March to raise money for charity.

Despite only being able to move with the aid of walking sticks and a sometimes a wheelchair, the plucky youngster swam 50 lengths of the pool.

The Bicester Community College pupil's effort raised £110 for the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity.

He raised a further £150 by taking part in a wheelchair marathon at the end of last year in Oxford, and his fundraising efforts have been recognised by the Child of Achievement charity, which rewards youngsters who overcome personal disability or illness. Daniel said: "I feel very proud to be one of the winners. I just enjoy doing things like swimming and raising money for charity."

Daniel was nominated for the award by his form teacher Brigitte Whitehead. He joined 150 other deserving youngsters during the awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, London, yesterday.

Among those presenting the trophies, certificates and £50 C&A gift vouchers were sports presenter Helen Rollason and Blockbusters host Bob Holness.

Mum Carol, who has two older daughters, said she was extremely proud of Daniel.

She said: "When they rang to say that Daniel was one of the achievement winners, I couldn't believe it.

"He is one of those people that doesn't want to sit around and do nothing. You should have seen him when he was in that pool, he was trying his absolute hardest." Being a Child of Achievement winner is not the only award Daniel has won.

Two years ago, he was presented with the Nora Court Trophy by Bicester Sports Centre, which is awarded annually to young people who excel in swimming despite their disabilities.

Daniel's love of swimming for charity has not stopped and he is looking forward to raising more cash for the Bicester Rotary Club.

He is taking part in the society's charity swimathon on March 6 and 7 to be held at the Bicester Sports Centre in aid of local and international charities.

Rotary president Ken Walton said: "He is an amazing youngster."

Story date: Monday 08 February

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