LITTLE Shreenik Khadka could be crowned Young Hero of the Year in recognition of his bravery in his battle against cancer.

The four-year-old son of Srijana and Queens Gurkha Signals sargeant Narayan was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in January, while he is in remission after enduring potentially fatal doses of chemotherapy and two failed stem-cell transplants, there is a high risk of the cancer returning without a bone marrow transplant.

His plight inspired fellow Gurkhas and South Asian people to join the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register to try and give the youngster a fighting chance at finding a good match.

Now, in recognition of his campaign and his bravery, the Eldene youngster has been nominated for the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2015 which will take place at the House of Commons next month.

"Anthony Nolan has been such a support to us," said Narayan, 32.

"We're very proud he has been nominated, I think it is because of the campaign we have run to raise awareness, and because Shreenik has gone through so much and has been so brave."

Shreenik began treatment shortly after his diagnosis, and while after the first of four rounds the youngster went into remission the nature of the cancer meant he needed a stem cell transplant to prevent it returning.

The tested his little sister, Serena, now 18 months, but she wasn't a match, which is when they opted to try a transplant from his half-match dad.

But after both attempts failed Shreenik's only hope in the future is a donor from the wider community is found, prompting the family's ongoing campaign for more people to register.

"I don't think people realise how easy it is for people to register, or even to donate," said Narayan.

"Donating stem cells is as easy as giving blood, and you can easily register online and get tested in your own home.

"It's not just about finding a match for Shreenik any more. It's about raising awareness, helping people realise that if they register they can save a life.

"We just want to raise as much awareness as we can to try and prevent other families going through what we have gone through.

It is the third year Anthony Nolan has held the awards to celebrate and recognise supporters' efforts to keep the blood cancer charity moving forward.

Henny Braund, chief executive at Anthony Nolan said: “Shreenik and his family are incredible supporters of the charity and we’re delighted that Shreenik has been shortlisted for this award. Shreenik has gone through so much, so young, and his family have gone above and beyond in their commitment to the charity, and we’re so grateful for everything that they do.”

To find out more about the campaign for Shreenik visit https://bethematch.wordpress.com or www.facebook.com/swabforshreenik.