The Carol Barnes Courageous Child of the Year award honours those children who have shown courage beyond their years.

They might have helped others overcome problems or shown bravery in battling illness of adversity.

Hope Jeffcoat was given just three months to live in 2009, but defied medics by going into remission four years later.

The eight-year-old has a condition so rare it is believed to affect only one in 20 million children her age.

Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital told her parents to prepare themselves for the worst in 2009.

But the determined eightyear- old came through years of blood tests, chemotherapy and various types of medication and is now actively enjoying life to the full.

Her father Neil said: “We saw her doctors a day after her birthday in April and we got the news she was in remission and did not have to come back again for another year.

“It was the best birthday present she could have received. She is our little miracle.”

Hope was one of the youngest children in the world to be diagnosed with a formof vasculitis, called polyarteritis nodosa. This is an inflammation of the blood vessels which chokes off the blood supply to major organs like the kidneys or the gut.

She also suffered from juvenile systemic arthritis, which can lead to fever, pain and general debilitation.

Hope was having constant flare-ups and the condition was badly affecting her organs, leaving her seriously ill.

Mr Jeffcoat, 38, said: “It became so bad doctors said she only had two to three months to live and we should prepare ourselves.

“We think it is a combination of the medication, our faith and her own strength that has helped her.

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We want to know which charity deserves recognition along with the most deserving business in the community, event, school, local hero and many more.

There are a number of ways you can have your say. You can simply fill out the online entry form.

You can also send your suggestion by email to ben.james@theargus.co.uk.

Please include your name, address and contact number along with your nominee’s name, address, category and reason for nomination.

Please give us as much information about who or what you are nominating.

What have been their achievements and why do you think they deserve to be recognised?

Remember, the information you send forms the basis of the judging process so it is important to submit as much as you can.