A COURAGEOUS young boy who has refused to let asthma hold him back has received a national award.

Jack Tait was diagnosed with the condition just months after he was born and has been a regular visitor to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

Despite regular tests, physiotherapy and other procedures, Jack, of Macmerry, has stayed positive.

He was named joint winner of the Young Achiever Award at the Scottish Children’s Health Awards, created by the charity Children’s Health Scotland to celebrate courageous children and those making a difference to the health and wellbeing of children and young people.

The budding goalkeeper has demonstrated the award is in safe hands by always putting others first.

His mum Kayleigh Jamieson-Tait told the Courier: “I was over the moon for him – Jack is my hero. He goes through his little life with such courage.”

Nine-year-old Jack has had multiple trips to hospital and endured lots of tests and procedures, which has meant he has missed out on school time and playing with his friends.

Ann McMurray, his asthma nurse specialist at NHS Lothian, put the youngster forward for the award.

She highlighted that Jack “continues to have a positive outlook on life and thinks of others before himself”.

And added: “Jack has found ways of coping with his health conditions and writes stories to convey how he’s feeling. He always puts on a brave face.”

The P6 pupil at Macmerry Primary School is a dedicated supporter of the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and has helped to raise hundreds of pounds, alongside his mum, through sponsored events, including taking on challenging runs.

Jack’s tendency to think of others before himself and his enthusiasm in raising money for the hospital impressed the Scottish Children’s Health Awards judging panel.

They chose Jack – who has an older sister, Kayla – as joint winner of the Young Achiever Award, which acknowledges a child who has shown great determination and courage in their life and who has gone above and beyond.

Jack thanked his asthma nurse specialist for her support and said: “I met Ann through going to the hospital when I’d been poorly and having my check-ups.

“I really like her – she’s a kind and helpful lady, who will always be there for me.

“She once got me a teddy and it had my name on it.”