TWO courageous children were surprised to be honoured.

Isabelle Carroll, from Rainford, who fought for survival after being diagnosed with a rare brain disease, has vowed to save the lives of others.

The 12-year-old has volunteered to become an organ donor, inspired by the parents of Violet-Grace Youens, who donated the four-year-old’s organs after she was killed by a speeding car.

Isabelle’s mum Vicky Haslam said: “Isabelle said she would like to donate her organs, then laughed saying ‘that is if I’ve got any organs left that haven’t got anything wrong with them’.

“She always uses a sense of humour to bounce through. She is selfless.”

The Rainford High pupil raised £5,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital as a thank you for saving her life.

She is planning another coffee morning in aid of the Liverpool hospital and even hopes to organise a spectacular fundraising ball.

Isabelle was diagnosed with ulcerative

colitis that led to a perforated bowel.

She recently developed liver disease.

Vicky added: “As they keep finding more effects of the illness, she just accepts that it means more tablets.

“She always has a smile on her face and doesn’t let anything get her down.

“This award has really boosted her confidence and re-energised her to do more fundraising.

“We nearly lost her twice. If it wasn’t for Alder Hey she wouldn’t be here, so we will do all we can to raise funds.”

Alex Prescott, from Parr, has battled leukaemia three times in two years.

The eight-year-old was recognised for this work in raising funds for scientists hoping to find a cure for cancer as well as organising school funds for the CLIC Sargent charity.

He has also inspired many people to give blood for the first time.

Alex said: “It is so nice to win this award – I did not expect it at all.”

His dad James added: “Alex has had lots of battles to face in his life and we are so proud of all the work he has done. He is so brave.

“We like to keep everyone updated on his progress so they know how Alex is doing.”

Alex is about to embark on a clinical trial to be the first patient at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to receive double CAR T-cell immunotherapy.