In 2016 the region has seem some heroic efforts from children whether it is raising money for charity or saving someone's life. Here are just some of the youngsters who should be proud of what they have achieved in 2016.

Eastern Daily Press: Ezara-Mai Downes, 12, has Juvenile Dermatomyositis says dancing has changed her life. Picture: ANTONY KELLYEzara-Mai Downes, 12, has Juvenile Dermatomyositis says dancing has changed her life. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

Ezara-Mai Downes

Ezara was diagnosed with an incredibly rare lupus-like illness when she was four. She has had to go through treatments for years and endure lots of pain, but she is an inspirational youngster who has raised a huge amount of cash for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.

The 12-year-old is also an award winning ballroom and Latin dancer who took up the art after watching Strictly Come Dancing.

Eastern Daily Press: The South Norfolk Community Awards 2016. The winner of the Young Volunteer of the Year award, Owen Leeder. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe South Norfolk Community Awards 2016. The winner of the Young Volunteer of the Year award, Owen Leeder. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Owen Leeder

Owen has been a young volunteer with Nelson's Journey since 2014. His father died when he was 10-years-old, and he helps support other bereaved children.

The 13-year-old was part of a panel of youngsters that have created the Smiles and Tears app for the charity which includes a virtual balloon release and a memory jar.

Eastern Daily Press: Kane Riel who was on the bus that hit a tree in Costessey.PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAYKane Riel who was on the bus that hit a tree in Costessey.PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY

Kane Mallett-Rial

At just 13-years-old, Kane protected his best friend when a branch smashed through the window of the double-decker bus they were travelling on to their school in Norwich.

He said: 'I wasn't that brave I just helped him because he is my friend and he would do the same for me.'

Eastern Daily Press: Billy Childs at home after an operation paid for by local fundraisers to help him to walk.Picture: James BassBilly Childs at home after an operation paid for by local fundraisers to help him to walk.Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2016)

Billy Childs

Five-year-old Billy Childs was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of one and he and his parents are determined that one day he will walk.

A charity called Billy's Steps was set up to help him achieve his goal and pay for expensive surgery with thousands of pounds donated from the public.

Eastern Daily Press: Saint Felix School Equestrian Team member, 11 year old Jack Wilmot attended a special event 'An Evening with Sir Anthony McCoy' at Norwich City Football Club. Picture by Delia's Canary CateringSaint Felix School Equestrian Team member, 11 year old Jack Wilmot attended a special event 'An Evening with Sir Anthony McCoy' at Norwich City Football Club. Picture by Delia's Canary Catering (Image: Delia's Canary Catering)

Jack Wilmot

Jack helped raised funds for an injured horse jockey while also enjoying the chance to meet his horse riding hero. After learning about the life-changing injuries suffered by 30-year-old jockey Freddy Tylicki at Kempton racecourse the 11-year-old wanted to do something to help.

With the blessing of the Injured Jockeys Fund and Delia's Canary Catering, Jack organised a raffle to be held at 'An Evening with Sir Anthony McCoy' at Carrow Road which raised more than £3,000.

Eastern Daily Press: A big smile as 11-year-old Maisie Lossau is at home in Spixworth after she has spent the last eight and a half months in hospital with a brain tumour. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYA big smile as 11-year-old Maisie Lossau is at home in Spixworth after she has spent the last eight and a half months in hospital with a brain tumour. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Maisie Lossau

Maisie was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January and underwent surgery at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge which successfully removed 80pc of the tumour. However, the 11-year-old suffered a collapsed lung and by the time she came round, had lost the use of her limbs and was suffering from breathing difficulties.

After more than eight months in hospital she finally made it home to Spixworth and she was welcomed with a surprise party.

Eastern Daily Press: The Goodwin children, from left, Alex 8, Hunter, 4, Winter, 2, and Honey, 7, from Thetford. Alex, Honey and Winter all have an immune disorder CGD, and Hunter has been a bone marrow donor for Winter. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Goodwin children, from left, Alex 8, Hunter, 4, Winter, 2, and Honey, 7, from Thetford. Alex, Honey and Winter all have an immune disorder CGD, and Hunter has been a bone marrow donor for Winter. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Macie Balfour

Macie, from Belton, won an award from the British Heart Foundation for her fundraising efforts at school.

She was born with truncus arteriosis, a condition that occurs when the arteries in the heart don't form correctly. Nine weeks after she was born she had open heart surgery to give her a new artery to take blood from the heart to the lungs. Since then Macie's condition has stabilised but she will need heart surgery throughout her life to maintain the replacement artery.

Goodwin siblings

Alex, Honey and Winter Goodwin from Thetford all have chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an immune disorder meaning they need bone marrow transplants.

Their five-year-old brother Hunter he has given one transplant to sister Honey, seven, and is scheduled to give another to brother Alex, nine. It's a painful procedure for anyone, let alone a child his age.