AFTER suffering from meningitis and a stroke, a five-year-old boy from Odiham has received an award for his bravery and determination.

Max Hall, whose dad serves in the Royal Air Force has been awarded 'Little Trooper of the Month' by the military children's charity, Little Troopers. 

This award was to recognise the bravery and determination Max has shown every single day since being born after being diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis when he was a baby, which caused him to have a stroke and left him with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Doctors later found that Max has an immune deficiency and he now takes a daily dose of penicillin to prevent bacterial infections.

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Earlier this year, he also ended up in hospital for urgent surgery on his leg to remove a bone cyst and insert a metal plate. This will require replacing several times as he grows.

The recovery was tough and Max spent a month unable to walk, run or play outdoors, but he's now back on his feet. 

Rebecca, Max's mum, nominated him for the award, said: “Max is one of the most inspiring little boys you will likely have the pleasure to meet. He’s always incredibly brave when we have to go to the doctors or the hospital and he takes everything in his stride. When his dad goes away, Max obviously misses him like crazy, but he also tells me he is the man of the house and wants to look after me and his little sister. He is just a really happy, fun little guy who loves life and doesn’t let anything get him down. We are so proud of our little trooper.”  

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Max will receive a medal, certificate and a £50 voucher from Little Troopers. 

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, said: “Max has had to cope with so much in his five years of life and we think he deserves to be recognised for his bravery, strength and determination at such a young age. That’s why we’ve named him our Little Trooper of the Month and are sending him a medal for him to wear with pride. Max, you really are a special little trooper!” 

Little Troopers is a registered charity supporting children who have parents serving in the British Armed Forces. 

For more information go to littletroopers.net