A DETERMINED teenager who became a martial arts star after overcoming a virus which left him unable to walk has been nominated for a Community Pride award.

Two years ago Alfie Barlow was admitted to York Hospital unable to move his arms and legs or to swallow and was confined to a wheelchair as a mystery virus took hold.

Alfie, now 13, spent eight weeks in hospital and a total of six months in a wheelchair.

But his parents Debbie and Kevin remained positive as did Alfie, whose determination to make a full recovery has since seen him tackle twice-weekly training sessions at the Multi Masters Academy of martial arts in Layerthorpe.

The Canon Lee School pupil, who has impressed everyone at his school with his positive attitude, even joining two football teams, has now been nominated in the Spirit Of Youth category of the Community Pride awards to recognise York’s heroes.

Nominating him, Miriam Floyd, head of Year Eight at Canon Lee School, said: “Alfie has overcome many obstacles in his life, remaining positive throughout. He is a role model to the other students both in school and out of school with his positive outlook and fighting spirit.

“Teachers and students like Alfie and his cheeky chappie attitude. What I really like about Alfie is he just gets on with things and perseveres even when things get tricky. He wants to do well and is now making up for the time he could not walk.”

She said that even though Alfie has suffered a small setback this year – being diagnosed with Sever’s disease, a form of growing pains some teenagers go through – he stayed positive, telling her, “at least it’s only a couple of years and then I can get back to normal, that is the one thing which keeps me going”.

The Community Pride Awards, which will have a York 800 theme this year, are run in partnership with City of York Council and sponsored by Benenden Healthcare.