STEPHEN Satrick is as boisterous and cheeky as any seven-year-old, but the boy with the infectious smile is compassionate beyond his years.

The Gordonvale youngster was recently awarded a Child of Courage award from the Lioness Club of Cairns for his efforts caring for his aunt, Josephine Satrick, who was diagnosed with failing kidneys last year.

Stephen has lived with his aunt for four years since his mother died from a heart attack when he was three.

"Steveo keeps me going," Ms Satrick said. "He keeps me on my toes.

"When I have days when I'm feeling like I can't cope, he finds a way to help."

Ms Satrick has dialysis treatment at Cairns Base Hospital three times a week but says Stephen, who calls her "Mum", helps by making her cups of tea and toast.

"It's the little things he helps with, like wiping up, making his bed, cleaning his room, helping me take the washing out and putting it in the dryer and watering the garden.

"He knows when I'm coming home after a day of dialysis. We have what we call a 'dry' night of toast and tea and he knows that."

The Year 2 pupil says he doesn't mind helping out around the house as long as he can jump on the trampoline and watch television.

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