BRAVE Ipswich youngster Jay Magill is the latest nomination in The Evening Star's Stars of 2004 awards.The plucky 12-year-old has spent much of the past year battling the cancer which claimed 80 per cent of the bone in his leg.

BRAVE Ipswich youngster Jay Magill is the latest nomination in The Evening Star's Stars of 2004 awards.

The plucky 12-year-old has spent much of the past year battling the cancer which claimed 80 per cent of the bone in his leg.

The youngster, of Wallers Grove, has been in theatre 13 times in 15 months and has undergone chemotherapy and physiotherapy.

Despite this Jay has remained positive and has continued to help his mum, Davina, battle her own cancer.

She was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia more than two years ago and also suffers from osteoarthritis and heart disease.

She is currently in remission but took chemotherapy tablets while Jay himself was undergoing treatment for bone cancer and it was he that often reminded her to take the medication.

Throughout the past year Jay has also undergone several painful procedures. Because his leg is largely comprised of metal, he has had to have it stretched on several occasions to compensate for his growth.

Travelling to and from Stanmore hospital in Middlesex the brave youngster has rarely complained about his hospital visits and remained strong and determined throughout his illness.

It was only towards the end of the year that Jay grumbled about the lack of mobility in his leg.

His mum said: "He has been through everything, got rid of the cancer and had the bone replaced and it doesn't seem fair that he is still struggling to do normal things.

"He said to me 'mum, why don't they cut my leg off, at least I can run with a false one. That made my eyes water."

Jay's comments came after his kneecap moved out of place causing his leg to seize up in either a bent or straight position, limiting movement.

An operation to correct the knee was unsuccessful and Jay had to undergo a similar procedure earlier this month.

That ordeal was made all the more difficult because Jay lost his close friend Shona Gill just days earlier.

He had become friendly with the Shona while the pair were both at Addenbrooke's being treated for cancer.

His mum said: "Jay and Shona were really close and he used to go round there and play with her and tickle her hands. He misses her a lot."

Jay remained brave for his friend and was at her side many times during her last weeks.