Inspiration honour for spinal operation boy

KAREEM ALI (front) at the Fireman Sam Golden Helmet Awards

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A SCHOOLBOY from Oldham was rewarded for inspiring others with his bravery in the face of a major spinal operation.

Real-life hero Kareem Ali (eight), who will be wheelchair-bound for life due to complex medical conditions, was bestowed with an 'Inspiration to Others' honour from Fireman Sam.

Not only has Kareem endured a 12-hour spinal operation but he had to undergo additional surgery after the pins and rods which had been inserted next to his spine came out while he was in recovery.

Kareem said at the event: "My family and friends are really proud of me. I got back to eating and did what I usually do - just played and had fun.

"Getting a special award like this for doing something good makes me really happy and I feel really proud of myself."

The Lyndhurst Primary School pupil missed eight weeks of school due to the operation but made a full recovery and "worked so hard to ensure he wasn't behind on his school work", his family said.

Kareem was supported through his operations by his close group of friends who it is said would do anything for him.

His auntie, who nominated him for the award, said: "Even though he will be in a wheelchair for life due to complex medical conditions that make his muscles weak, his happiness radiates and he never lets anything stand in his way.

"Before his surgery he attended a Jiu Jitsu club and managed to gain his green belt from completing four gradings.

"This brave little boy is an inspiration not just to his family, but to anyone that knows him, and he always has a smile on his face no matter what is happening to him."

Kareem was honoured as a 'real-life' hero at the first-ever Fireman Sam Golden Helmet Awards held at the Soho Hotel, London, recently.

The awards were launched in partnership with Netmums to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Fireman Sam - the ultimate Hero Next Door - who first made his debut on UK TV in 1987.

A total of six awards were handed out with winners receiving both a Golden Helmet Award and a £500 cheque from Fireman Sam himself and representatives of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Managing editor of Netmums Anh Nguyen said: "We were overwhelmed by the number of entries we received for the first ever Golden Helmet Awards, with so many incredible stories from across the country that drew attention to so many amazing everyday heroes. Kareem's heartwarming story really stood out to us."