A QUARRY Bank teenager who suffers from a rare medical condition is in with the chance of winning two awards.

Sam Singer, 14, has for the past five years endured a form of Cushing’s disease, which has caused him to gain weight as well as stunt his growth.

However, in despite of the disease and frequent trips to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, The Royal London Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Sam has refused to let it get the better of him.

His mum, Jan Batham, described her son as a “very happy and outgoing child” who always has a smile on his face.

“Regardless of everything he has gone through he never moans,” she said. “It will be something he will always have, but hopefully we'll be able to control it as it creates lots of problems.

“It has made him gain weight, which he hates, and it has also stunted his growth. He’s not very tall and has to have daily injections.

“But even with all the problems he still has the smile on his face.”

The Thorns Community College pupil is now looking forward to discovering the results of two awards he has been nominated - for bravery and his commitment to school.

The first, Stourbridge Educational Trust’s Night of Champions, takes place at Stourbridge Town Hall on February 24, with Sam being put forward by his school for the bravery he has shown in the face of adversity.

Sam is also nominated for a Dudley Youth Council award in March for still wanting to do well at school even with everything he has been through.

Jan said: “Sam loves school and could not wait to get back immediately after having brain surgery.

“Even though it is very difficult for him, he still tries his hardest and is still committed to his school work.

“I’m so proud of him and I cannot be any more proud of the way he has persevered through his problems.

“Just to be nominated is really good and although we are hoping he will win both awards, being nominated is brilliant.”

Stourbridge-based coach company Greenline Coaches has joined Sam’s family in raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital as a way of saying thank you for the help the hospital has given him.

The firm has raised £750 in Sam’s name throughout the last couple of weeks by holding raffles on its coaches during trips.

Andy Phillips, director, said: “Sam is such a brave young local lad and when we heard of his story we wanted to do as much as we could to help the hospital for the treatment they gave him.”

Jan added: “Birmingham Children’s Hospital has been so good to Sam. They are amazing.”

Throughout the next year, friends and family of Sam, who still has “a long road ahead”, will continue fundraising for the hospital.