Brave Kirstie Russell and John Howard were honoured for their courage at the Children of Achievement awards ceremony.
Kirstie, 14, from Newhaven, and John, ten, from Littlehampton, were picked from more than 10,000 children nominated for the awards.
Kirstie, who has spina biffida, was nominated by Jean Sinfield, deputy head at Patcham House Special School in Brighton, who said she was an asset to the school.
John, who also has spina biffida plus a rare condition called hydrocephalus, was nominated by teacher Jonathan Paine, of Rustington County Primary School, who admired his determination and cheerfulness.
Both youngsters were invited with their families to take part in the award ceremony and lunch party at the Hilton Hotel in London yesterday.
They were each presented with a certificate, a trophy, a photograph and video to remember the special occasion.
They also got the chance to mingle with celebrities including Harry Potter author JK Rowling, television presenters Gaby Roslin and Kirsty Gallacher.
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