HE has never let his illness hold him back.

Little Cobie Booth’s courage throughout his battle with leukaemia has been an inspiration to many.

And now, nearly two years on from when he was first diagnosed, his future looks bright as he nears the final stages of his treatment.

The four-year-old from Skelmanthorpe has now started school and is enjoying life as any normal, happy little boy.

Mum Steph said she’s amazed how far her son has come and that his bravery has helped his family through some difficult times.

She said: “He’s doing really well. He’s still got a long way to go, but we’re really positive about the future.

“I just think he’s amazing how he’s dealt with all this. He’s been so good and has never let his illness stop him from doing anything.”

Steph and her family’s world was ripped apart when Cobie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia – cancer of the white blood cells.

The mum-of-two and husband Robert noticed there was something wrong when he developed a limp and complained of pain in his backside.

Doctors at Sheffield Children’s Hospital revealed he had the cancer on April 18 2009, a week before his third birthday.

Cobie had to undergo intensive chemotherapy treatment, which saw him lose his hair and his ability to walk for weeks.

But he responded well and is now entering his final year of the treatment course.

A lot has changed since then and although Cobie still needs to take his chemotherapy tablets, his hospital visits are much less frequent.

Steph, who also has a three-year-old daughter, Lillie, said: “It’s coming up to two years now since he was diagnosed and he’s still got another year of treatment until next June.

“It still feels like we’ve got a long way to go but he’s responded to his treatment so fantastically and it doesn’t make him feel sick any more.

“I’ve been taught how to do a thumb prick to get his blood count and the results are sent to the hospital in Sheffield, which is much easier than having to take him all the time and makes a big difference.

“He has to go and have a lumbar puncture every three months but since last January he’s only spent one night in hospital, so he’s doing really well.

Determined to help other sick children like Cobie, last year Steph backed a Cancer Research UK campaign to raise funds to help beat childhood cancers.

And last June Cobie was honoured for his bravery, receiving a Courage Award at the Examiner Community Awards.

Steph said: “It was fantastic to see him up there. There were a few tears from us but he loved all the attention!

“I was very proud. The awards are a great way of recognising some brilliant people in the community, but it’s also a nice thing to be thought of and nominated.”

Last December Cobie was given an early Christmas present when he got the chance to visit Lapland with Sheffield Children’s hospital and is now looking forward to a party with friends next month to celebrate his fifth birthday.

In September he started at Skelmanthorpe First and Nursery School and loves every minute of school and spending time with his friends.

Steph said: “He absolutely loves it, seeing all his friends and reading, writing and drawing.

“I was amazed how quickly he picked things up considering he didn’t start until he was four.

“It’s brilliant seeing him now, being a normal little boy and not a little boy that’s got leukaemia.

“He’s never stopped smiling throughout his illness and I just think he’s ace.

“When he was first diagnosed it was very difficult for us as a family to make plans. We’re looking forward to things now and the future together.”