A BRAVE little boy is in the running for a top award after proving to be the best brother ever.

Four-year-old Finley Browne from Southbourne, Bournemouth, has been shortlisted for a Tommy’s Award, hosted by baby charity Tommy’s.

The Water Babies Super Sibling Award celebrates a big brother or sister who has proven to be wise beyond their years after the early arrival of their new baby brother or sister.

Finley was nominated by his mum, Helen Browne, 36, a physiotherapist. Finley has been an amazing big brother to his sister Orla and was three years old when she was born in July, 2016, but sadly passed away three days later.

Helen said: "We found out during pregnancy that Orla was very poorly and had Jeunes syndrome; explaining this to Finley was heart-breaking, but he took it in his stride. Finley would sing to her while I was pregnant and frequently kiss and cuddle my bump, he was so excited to be a big brother."

When Orla was born her diagnosis was confirmed and palliative care was the only option, she was transferred to a local children's hospice so the family could be together.

Helen said: "Finley was so gentle with Orla and doted on her, when she cried he would sing to her and rush to get her a teddy or a rattle to help soothe her and it usually worked. He definitely had the magic touch. Finley took great pride in showing Orla all the things in the hospice and we have some precious family memories all together in the sensory room relaxing on the water bed."

Orla passed away three days after she was born and the family was heartbroken. Finley initially struggled to understand that his sister was gone and cried for her to come back. Helen made sure to make as many memories as possible and have hand prints, paintings, casts and lots of photos.

Finley has been fundraising for the children’s hospice in Orla's memory and has completed a fun run and virtual run for Orla. Finley loves to visit the hospice and thinks of the sensory room as Orla's room. Finley has great empathy and compassion beyond an average four year old.

Now in its 23rd year, the Tommy’s Awards recognise heroes of families who’ve been touched by pregnancy complications, or the loss of a baby. Each year in the UK, one in four parents lose a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. Every year, 60,000 babies are born prematurely, these babies are vulnerable - they are born before they have grown to cope with the outside world. Tommy’s is saving lives by researching how we can prevent premature births by finding those at risk early on.

The Tommy’s Awards celebrates the courage, strength and amazing support given by family members, friends and health professionals as well as acknowledging those who have triumphed against adversity. The Awards categories are Super Sibling, Little Champion, Doting Dad, Inspirational Mum, Inspirational Family, Healthcare Hero, Star Researcher, Mum's Voice, Act of Kindness and Star Fundraiser.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 16, 2018 at the Landmark Hotel in London.

The Tommy’s Awards also recognise the best family-friendly companies, who are nominated and voted for by the public, in categories ranging from Best Family Friendly Overseas Holiday Provider to Best Baby Clothes Retailer and Best Beauty Product for Mums.

For more information visit www.tommys.org.