The nine-year-old from West Winch has been nominated for a Super Kids Award by his father, Mark, who said: "The past year has been a difficult one for him."

Joshua's mum, Conwyn, was diagnosed with cancer when he was only three years old. She battled the disease for five years before her death in early 2008.

Mr Groom said his son could barely remember a time when his mum was not ill and undergoing treatment. "He understands all about cancer and how his mum died. It's hard for a lad of his age to have gone through all that," he said.

During her illness, Joshua formed a strong bond with his granddad, Conrad Sandish, who was Conwyn's father and had lived with the family all Joshua's life.

"He idolised his granddad, who was a big part of his life. He lived next door to us in an annexe and Josh would go through to see him. They chatted for hours and he was always there for Josh. They thought the world of each other," said Mr Groom.

Sadly, Mr Sandish, who was in his 80s, was also in poor health. Mr Groom said: "He had to go into a home when Conwyn became really ill. After she died, he just went downhill and he died five weeks later."

Although a year has passed, Mr Groom said Joshua was still missing them both. He and his son go together each week to put flowers on their two memorial stones. "He talks about his granddad all the time, and his mum. It's been hard for us both, but especially hard for him. I'm trying to make it up to him," he added.