THE mother of a previous Pride of Bracknell runner-up is urging people to recommend the unsung heroes from their community.

Little Oliver Knight was nominated for the Young Person Award in 2017 after he bravely fought a serious heart condition.

He only has half a heart and - since he was born in 2013 - he has endured three open heart surgeries; the first happened when he was just three days old.

His inspiring story demonstrated determination beyond his years and he was invited to attend the annual awards along with his mother, Hannah Embleton.

She said: "Oliver had to have a catheter procedure in June 2018 because of a long-term problem with low oxygen saturation levels, despite the heart surgeries.

"There were also other problems that Oliver needed treatment for, but once again he was such a strong boy and fought through it all."

Her son had experienced problems since birth, with further surgeries taking place at three months old and the most recent when he was two.

Hannah added: "These surgeries have not fixed Oliver's heart, but it's enabled him to be with us in this world today.

"At some point in life Oliver will need a heart transplant. It could be tomorrow, in a few months, or in a few years.

"We really don't know, so we live his life to the full. I thought he deserved to be entered for this award as he is so resilient and has been through so much while still having a lot to face.

"He just carries on; even if he's having a really bad time, he fights through it all."

Hannah remembers the joy of attending the annual ceremony and just how rewarding it was to meet people who had also overcome their share of tough times.

She is now encouraging other families to get involved with the 2019 award, which will take place at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst on March 15.

She added: "I think it's important to hold these awards as there are people out there who have been, or are currently going, through difficult times.

"Also, there are people who have done so many good things or help others so they deserve recognition."

Visit: prideofbracknell.com/nominate to make your nominations.