Joining secondary school is difficult enough for any child, but it was a particular challenge for Emma Doenges who suffers from a painful genetic disease.

The 12-year-old suffers from a rare condition known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis that causes irritation in her joints and requires three sets of injections a day.

Since the condition was diagnosed four years ago, Emma has faced a continual schedule of doctor’s appointments, blood tests and physiotherapy sessions.

She has primarily been based at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and East Surrey Hospital.

Emma has also been supported through her condition by the staff at Croydon University Hospital.

Mum Tanya, who has nominated her daughter for a child of courage award, said: “I would like to thank the staff at Mayday – they have been extremely helpful.”

As a result of Emma’s condition she has had to miss weeks of her first year at Warlingham School, though Ms Doenges was quick to praise the support the secondary school had offered her.

She said: “Emma has had some unkind things said to her by some children about the way she walks, but she has great support from her friends, and the teachers and staff have been so understanding.”

During her time at Great Ormond Street Emma often took the chance to reach out to other sick children and support them, and her and her mother are in the process of organising a support group in the borough for those with similar afflictions.

Ms Doenges said: “Emma has been an inspiration to me as she never gives up and is compassionate and caring to others. Instead of allowing this condition to beat her, Emma wants to meet and share her experiences with other children with joint conditions.”

Juvenile arthritis affects about one in 1,000 children annually in the UK and is more common in girls.