BRAVE teenager Will Moores met and chatted with Prince Harry when he received a Wellchild Award at a top London hotel on Monday.

Will, of Hilltop Walk, Harpenden, was diagnosed with a brain tumour just weeks before his 16th birthday in November 2011. He underwent a harrowing 11-hour operation followed by intensive courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy which resulted in severe sickness for six months.

Will’s mother, Amanda Reed said: “Every step of Will’s journey has been incredibly tough, yet every day he smiles and continues his fight to beat this disease and get back to his normal life.

“He is a true inspiration and I’m so pleased that he is being recognised for his strength of character.”

During her son’s gruelling time in hospital, Ms Reed said, his only thoughts were for others. He asked her to leave his side and buy some presents for the family because it was only days away from Christmas.

Will won the category of Inspirational Child in the Wellchild Awards, of which Prince Harry is a patron. The award celebrates the courage of children coping with serious illnesses or complex conditions, as well as honouring the dedication of professionals who help them and their families.

WellChild’s director of programmes, Linda Partridge, who is a member of the panel, said: “All the panel members are moved by the bravery of the children, the stories of selfless care and support and the dedication of the doctors, nurses, teachers, brothers and sisters who make a great difference to the lives of sick children. Will truly deserves to be the winner of this award.”

Among other celebrities at the awards were Duncan Bannatyne, Mark Foster, Chris Hollins, Emily Maitliss, Bruno Tonioli and chart-topping Scouting for Girls.