A TEENAGER whose promising rugby career was cut short by illness has won a national award for his bravery.

Drew Wayment, 16, of Holmhurst Road, Belvedere, was chosen to play rugby for Kent and a became a member of the Saracens Rugby Club Academy.

But on Christmas Eve last year, as he was about to make his debut for the England under-16 team Drew, who had been nursing a shoulder injury for months, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer.

But while undergoing chemotherapy, he took up coaching with the under-11 team at Blackheath Rugby Club and fundraising for other cancer charities.

His mother Karen said: “I am so proud of my son and the way he has coped with his condition.

“Throughout his illness he has always looked for ways to put something back into the community and help others.”

Mrs Wayment nominated her son for the WellChild Children’s Health Awards and Drew received his award from Manchester City footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and television presenter Nick Knowles.

After the ceremony Drew also got the chance to chat with rugby fan Prince Harry, patron of the WellChild charity.