THEY don't come much braver than mighty Joe McIndoe.

Joe's devoted mum Aileen died of cancer only a few weeks ago and Joe, who's only 12, suffers himself from cerebral palsy. Within the last few months he has had to undergo painful surgery on his feet.

This lad is a very special person. Despite his own heartache he has decided to try to help needy children on the other side of the world.

Joe has taken up the challenge of raising money for Chinese orphans, the cause which was so close to his mum's heart.

Aileen died from cancer in October, aged just 42. Her husband Kevin said: "We became involved with the Chinese orphans through our church. Aileen had a nursing background and wanted to go out there to help but the cancer beat her. Now Joe is carrying on her work."

Recently Joe, who lives in Mayflower Road, Shirley, was nominated to represent St John Ambulance Hampshire cadets at a reception at Buckingham Palace. It was there that he met the Princess Royal.

Joe, said: "I had a brilliant time. Princess Anne was very friendly and kind to me."

Said Kevin, 45, a care assistant, said: "The visit did Joe the world of good - things have been very difficult. He has his mother's nature and is a real fighter. I am very proud of him."

Now the youngster, a pupil at Oaklands Community School in Lordshill, and his brother Luke, ten, have taken up a new challenge to is raise money to help orphaned children in China. He said he wanted to help them because it was a cause close to his mother's heart. A fortnight ago the brothers held a table top sale to raise cash and managed £250. Last week they topped that up to more than £400 with another sale.

Sarah Oborne, a nursing officer at St John Ambulance's Quadrilateral Division, based at Millbrook, said no task was too great for Joe.

She said: "He has a sunny personality and will attempt anything and do it with a smile.

"He will not let any adversity or his disability get in his way and that is why he was chosen to go to the reception in London."