A regional press journalist who penned a personal blog telling of his fight against a unique form of leukaemia has won a top national award.

Adrian Sudbury scooped the Guild of Health Writers Best Online Feature Award for his Baldy’s Blog – which also included video footage of his bone marrow transplant.

The Huddersfield Daily Examiner journalist battled two types leukaemia and underwent a bone marrow transplant in May.

He was given the all clear last month.

Adrian, (26), said: “I’m totally overwhelmed. I was back in hospital only yesterday morning regarding another complication.

“So to finish up the day receiving this incredible award is unbelievable.”

Judges, who included health editors and journalists from the Independent, Sun and Daily Mail, said they were impressed with how the blog had clearly explained some of the complex issues surrounding the disease, adding that it was accessible and enjoyable to read.

Adrian was presented with a certificate and a £1,000 cheque by writer and broadcaster Phil Hammond.

Adrian said: “It’s been such a difficult year and to think that I’ve been able to produce something that is useful and interesting to fellow professionals is really rewarding.

“But I could not have done this by myself. I would also like to thank the work my colleague Gemma Castle has done with all the videos in Huddersfield and Liam McNeilis for all his hard work behind the scenes, putting the blog together while I have been in hospital or too ill to write.”

Adrian picked up his award at a ceremony at The Foreign Press Association in London, which he attended with girlfriend Poppy.

He said: “It was a lovely evening. At some points over the past ten months it seemed like I would never be able to leave my isolation room, let alone do anything like munch canapes and sip champagne.

“That made it all the more special and I savoured every minute of it!”