Mirfield schoolgirl thanks her best buddy at Haemophilia Society awards

Her name was put forward by grateful best friend, Zoe McGough, who suffers from a rare bleeding disorder.

And the girls, both 12 and from Mirfield, enjoyed a glitzy ceremony in London where the honours were handed out by children’s TV presenters Dick and Dom.

The awards are organised by the Haemophilia Society and recognise the vital support given by friends, families and carers of those who have to cope with the daily challenges bleeding disorders can involve.

Tasha won the friend category Buddy Award for the constant support she gives to Zoe, who goes to Castle Hall Academy.

The prizegiving was followed by a day out at London Zoo after Mirfield Free Grammar School pupil Tasha had received her certificate and a badge.

Zoe’s condition means there is a clotting factor missing from her blood. It is a very rare condition. She is not supposed to have contact or risk accidents which can trigger spontaneous bleeding and she bruises easily.

Her mum, Debbie McGough, said: “It is an ongoing problem. She needs injections twice a day as a replacement factor. The condition is incurable and she will always have to be careful.”

Zoe said: “Sometimes I can’t do things or I can’t work because of problems in my joints. I sometimes have to use a wheelchair or crutches.”

But Tasha is always there to help and the pair have been friends since infant school.

“I know a lot about what Zoe needs and I have always been there for her,” she said.

“If I come to spend time with her I can help entertain her if she is not well. And I can play with her if she is bored – which is often as she has to be so careful about what she does.”

Zoe said: “She is a really good mate.”