A die-hard football fan, aged 12, recovered from cancer with the help of motivation from Manchester United front-line players, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

The Manchester United fan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia 12 months back amidst which his kidneys failed and was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

Although, the child has not fully recovered from his cancer and still is on wheel chair, but he is gradually learning to walk back again, and is much better from what he was 12 months back.

'We are all excited about the New Year and Callum is so much better. We still have a long way to go, but Callum is an inspiration. ' his mother Joanne said.

'He loved meeting the United players - and to me he's every bit as much of a champion as they are.' She added.

Callum was awarded a Cancer Research UK little star award for his bravery in fighting the cancer.

'Callum has already faced so many hurdles in his life due to his autism, but he has amazed everyone with his courage in coping with the leukaemia treatment and is truly deserving of the Little Star award.' Jane Bullock, of Cancer Research UK said.