Children who have battled bravely against the odds have won national recognition.

Two youngsters from Sussex are among those picked from 10,000 nominations for the Children of Achievement awards.

Kirstie Russell, 14, of Newhaven, and John Howard, 10, of Littlehampton, are due to go to a ceremony at London's Hilton Hotel tomorrow to receive their awards from celebrities including Harry Potter author JK Rowling and sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher.

The awards are given to youngsters who help others or who have overcome illness or disability and who are an inspiration to other people.

Kirstie was nominated by her deputy headteacher at Patcham House Special School, Jean Sinfield.

The youngster's internal organs do not respond as they do in other people, a condition similar to spina bifida.

She is subjected to invasive medical procedures, many of which she has to do herself every day.

For any teenager, life is not without its problems but, for Kirstie, the social implications of her condition could have been huge.

Her mother Kathleen said Kirstie had persevered with the challenges of her condition, always finding ways to cope.

Mrs Russell said: "We are over the moon that she has got this award as it is a real achievement for her.

"She has had to cope with real health problems and has done so well."

She said Kirstie had a busy social life attending a number of clubs including the Red Zebra African drumming group in Woodingdean.

Mrs Russell added: "She used to be petrified of noise, especially loud sounds but she loves the drumming and seems to make more noise than everyone else."

Mrs Sinfield said she only realised how much Kirstie had to endure when they went on a school trip.

"It was only then I understood how much Kirstie has to go through every day.

"We might complain if we have a headache but we know it will get better. Kirstie will have to live with this for the rest of her life.

"Kirstie is not only an asset to her family but also to the school. I am really proud the judges have recognised her."

John was nominated by his teacher at Rustington County Primary School for trying hard and for getting on with life without complaining.

John has spina bifida and a rare condition called hydrocephalus but, as far as his classmates are concerned, he's just one of them.

A keen sportsman, he recently took up basketball and zips around the other players in his wheelchair.

He has also played as goalkeeper for the school's hockey team.

His mother Julie said: "He has got a lovely personality and I think that's what gets him through everything.

"The kids at school are very good with him and don't see him as any different from them. He likes his sport and joins in whatever he can."

Mrs Howard said John was excited at being chosen as a Child of Achievement and was taking it all in his stride.

She said the whole family was proud of him, saying: "He always gives 100 per cent in everything he does. He is always positive about things."

John's teacher Jonathan Paine said he nominated John for his determination and cheerfulness.

He said: "Even when he falls off his crutches and I ask him if he is all right he just smiles. He never lets it bother him."

It is also his willingness to volunteer to do extra tasks, undertake errands and generally be a part of school life that has made him stand out.

Mr Paine said: "If I ask for volunteers to help clean up or move tables, John is always one of the first to volunteer.

"It is good to have him in the class as the children get to think about someone other than themselves and it makes them more aware of disability.

"I'm really proud he has got this award but I am proud of him every day because he has such a positive attitude."

Headteacher Geoff Coulson said: "You wouldn't know that John had a disability from talking to him, as he is just like one of the other children.

"He is always cheerful and likes to laugh and joke.

He always has a positive attitude.

"I am really pleased that he has got this award."

School staff said it would be easy for John to use his physical limitations as an excuse not to join in all the school activities.

Instead, he uses them as an opportunity to challenge and push himself to the limit to see what he might achieve next.