Young boy held his family together through illness wins Pupil of the Year

A young boy who battled through illness and "kept his family going" has won an award. Archie Mather of Markland Hill Primary School is our Bolton News Education Awards 2024 Pupil of the Year, in association Bolton Council. Archie, who is just five years old, suffers with the rare Perthes' disease and had to undergo a hip operation earlier this year.

But such was his love for school that he returned after two weeks while in a wheelchair, which he stayed in for 14 weeks. The school's early years team and headteacher, Jessica Kavanagh, nominated him. They said: "We’d like to nominate Archie Mather for his remarkable resilience following his recent operation.



Despite facing significant challenges, he has shown incredible strength and determination in returning to school. "Archie became exceptionally frustrated whilst on the part–time timetable, crying when he had to leave his school and friends, as he is so passionate about learning (and playing) and understandably didn’t want to miss a thing! Read more: School raises nearly £4,000 with summer music festival Read more: The Bolton News Education Awards are back for 2024 "Even though he had limited access to some activities, he continued to explore what he could with a huge smile on his face, he remained cheerful, happy and determined to succeed." Archie's mum and dad, Sam and Anthony Mather, came to see him receive the surprise award at the school.

Sam said: "Archie showed just nothing but resilience and he just strived, he didn't want to stop. He kept us going as a family, he just did amazingly, he just couldn't wait to come back to school and show all of his friends. "He was really proud of his wheelchair and the school has just been incredible and so supportive.

"Inclusivity is huge, it's absolutely huge, and I think for him to be able to come to school where he absolutely adores it, and he adores his teachers and his friends. "For him to come to school and feel included and not different, it's okay if you're in a wheelchair, it's okay if you've got crutches. I think it's amazing that he has been recognised for his hard work and his determination.

" Archie said he liked his award and it would take pride of place on his bedroom window sill..