A PAIR of superhero Hexham schoolchildren have been nominated to receive a regional award by their grateful mum.

Though just 10 and 11 years old, Callum and Hannah Steel form a tower of strength to support their mum, Lija, through dehabilitating illness.

Since she was 13-years-old, Lija has suffered from Crohn’s Disease, a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive system.

Now 32, she lives in Hexham with her husband Chris and the two children.

But living with Crohn’s Disease is not easy.

Due to the illness, and its many side effects, Lija has to attend hospital and doctor’s appointments most weeks.

And she has undergone surgery a number of times over the years, including operations to remove her left kidney and large bowel.

Lija never knows when her illness will strike.

She has been rushed to hospital three times in the last month with Chron’s Disease-related problems.

The family are unable to take a holiday as Lija needs to be near her GP and consultants in case an emergency crops up.

But as they have grown up, Hannah and Callum have stepped in to offer more and more vital support to their mum.

Dad Chris works away from home for several days a week and the two Hexham Middle School pupils are always on hand to help.

The brother and sister help look after Lija when she is ill, and help with daily routines – even making meals.

Lija, who works with special needs children, said: “They are always so positive and cheerful and always willing to help. They never complain.

“Their attitude helps keep me strong and helps me to recover.”

Just last weekend, Lija underwent a gruelling six hours of emergency surgery at Cramlington Hospital.

Medics say she will need 10 to 12 weeks of recovery, a period which will fall during the children’s long summer holidays.

And with Chris at work, Hannah and Callum will have to pitch in and help their mum on a day-to-day basis.

To thank her children for their unrelenting love and support, Lija has nominated Callum and Hannah for a Chronicle Champions Award for 2016.

The children will hear if they have been successful when the awards are judged in December.

kathleen.moore@hexham-courant.co.uk