Four-year-old Joseph has been nominated for a Super Kids award by his "very proud" grandmother, Shirley Rumens, who said: "Like all children he is very special – but Joseph is truly amazing."

The Dersingham youngster was late starting to walk and was then diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

The condition affects his joints, causing hypermobility and pain when he walks. It is being treated with physiotherapy, which Joseph receives at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and at school.

Joseph cannot walk far and has to use a wheelchair when he goes out. His balance is unsteady and Mrs Rumens said: "Joseph had a fall and broke his foot due to this."

Joseph suffered a second blow when he was diagnosed with autism, which made him very frustrated with new situations.

Critical illness next struck the youngster.

In November last year, he was found to have hydrocephalus and went to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for an operation.

His doctor then discovered a cyst the size of a tennis ball on his brain. "He had to undergo life-saving surgery but afterwards he made incredible progress for a four-year-old," said Mrs Rumens.

Joseph was in hospital for only two days and even his surgeon could not believe the speed of his fightback, although his hydrocephalus will need on-going treatment.

After Christmas, he was well enough to return to his "beloved" Dersingham Infant School.

"It's all he can talk about. He loves being with his friends and is always chatting about the different things he has done," she went on.

Despite all he had been through, Joseph had never complained. "He has put us adults to shame.

"When things got really tough and we were upset, Joseph would say it was OK and give us a cuddle to make us feel better," she said.

Mrs Rumens added: "He really is a child of courage and deserves a treat."