A nine-year-old boy told he may never walk has defied doctors to become a sporting champion.

William Hopkins, who has cerebral palsy, plays frame football and other sports and is a future Paralympian in the eyes of his proud mum.

The Minster primary school pupil, who lives in Birchington, recently completed the cross country at Upton Junior School in Broadstairs and won an award for his commitment to sport.

Mum Claire May says she is extremely proud of her son, and sees a bright future for him.

“He loves everything sport,” she said.

“He was diagnosed as a baby with cerebral palsy and we were told the worst case scenario was that he wouldn’t be able to walk, talk or pick things up.

“We have tried to defy what the doctors have said.

“Since he started school everyone has just pushed him into getting into sports - he just loves everything sporty.

“He plays frame football for Kings Hill football club in West Malling.

“At the weekend he played in a tournament at the England training ground, St George’s Park.

Claire, 43, says her son does not let his condition define him.

“He even runs up and down the garden calling himself the disabled Messi,” she added.

“He just attempts everything. He loves the cross country; he wants to get into Thanet Athletics to do some proper running. He’s a future paralympian maybe!”

William took part in the cross country event and won an award for commitment to sport, presented by John Regis MBE.

“He did awesomely,” said Claire. “Winning the award was another boost for his confidence like you wouldn’t believe. He just feels like he is achieving everything, which is so lovely.”