Beau shows resilience to a T

But the 11-year-old has continued to engage in a strong family sporting tradition, using prescribed medication to keep him calm while learning valuable social skills with the support of his coach at the Cloverdale Comets.

A passionate player since the age of four, Beau is now able to mentor new players and will represent the Cloverdale Comets in the State championships in March.

Mum Amanda, who met her husband Dan at the Belmont Tee-Ball Club, said they had encouraged tee-ball among their three sons but they were considering pulling Beau out of softball, which he played in the winter, until his diagnosis in 2010.

‘Through 18 months of pure hard work and dedication Beau has got his life back on track and is now a very committed team member, helping those who are new and less sports-minded,’ she said.

Beau also plans to return to mainstream schooling this year, after two years of homeschooling to avoid bullies.

‘He goes back to public school this year. He wants to go back to school, he wants to learn and to have friends,’ Mrs Cornfield said.

Beau is a nominee in the HBF Junior Sports Heroes.