A BRAVE toddler has won praise from a national charity after battling a rare eye cancer.

Two-year-old Blake Raynor, from Shadsworth in Blackburn, has been named as a ‘champion’ of the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust after coming through six gruelling rounds of chemotherapy.

Blake was diagnosed with retinoblastoma at just 10 weeks old. It is a rare disease that affects children younger than five. Only about 50 children develop the condition each year in the UK, and can usually be successfully treated if it is caught early.

Mum Christina, who nominated Blake for the award, said: “Blake’s still in remission but has pulled through six cycles of chemotherapy and had to make regular trips to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the specialist centre. I suppose he doesn’t know any different but he’s been absolutely great and really brave. He has been through so much in his short life but is the strongest, most active child I will ever know and he deserves to be praised.”

The CHECT Champion awards aim to recognise the outstanding courage, resilience and patience shown by all children affected by retinoblastoma, throughout treatment and afterwards. Each child receives a medal, framed certificate and goody bag.

Joy Felgate, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Every child affected by retinoblastoma faces huge disruption and upset, distressing treatment and also many follow-on check-ups. For some children, like Blake, the effects of the treatment can be life-changing and severe.

“We are delighted to recognise the bravery and resilience Blake has shown throughout all of his cancer treatment. He is an extremely deserving champion.”