Rashad Farrall, 4, has spent more time in hospital in his short life than many adults would in a lifetime.
This year alone the Coogee resident was admitted to Fiona Stanley Hospital twice in a single month.
Rashad is one of six children who were awarded AJ Diamond Club Bravery Awards by the Fremantle Dockers, in association with the South Metropolitan Health Service.
The awards honour young patients who have shown great courage in hospital wards across Perth’s southern suburbs.
In what has become a club tradition, Fremantle’s most recent recruits share the stories of the children before presenting them with a medallion and gift.
Rashad’s story is heartbreaking but his resilience and positivity during his stints in hospital is remarkable.
During his recent admissions he had a nasal gastric tube inserted through his nose and stomach, which is a difficult procedure for an adult to sit through, but Rashad did not complain despite the distressing experience.
Fremantle player Sean Hurley said the children’s stories gave some perspective to the young players.
“Coming and seeing these kids and how much they’ve gone through, hopefully this brightens their day,” he said.
“You think you have problems on the football field if you don’t hit a pass or are in bad form, those problems are nothing to what these children are going through and the resilience they have shown is unbelievable.”
AJ Diamond club president Murray McGillsaid the stories of recovery from the children were remarkable.
“The inspiration these young people gives us is brilliant,” he said.
“Well done to all the parents for what they’ve had to go through as well.”
Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich said the players would learn a lot from the children.
“Our playing group often refer to the trademarks of courage and resilience out on the football field but it’s a whole different ball game when it comes to the resilience you kids have shown over the past 12 months,” he said.