RUGBY-mad Ben Braggins got a Christmas present he will never forget when a shirt arrived at his Herefordshire home - signed by England's entireWorld Cup squad.

Ten-year-old Ben, who has spent most of his life in and out of hospital battling kidney failure, is a passionate fan of the sport and takes part in tag rugby.

Nick Abendanon, who plays for Bath Rugby and has won two England caps, heard about Ben and wanted to do something for him.

The first Ben knew about it was when the shirt arrived at his parents' home in Brimfield, accompanied by a signed programme and a letter.

Featuring the signatures of stars such as of Jonny Wilkinson,Mike Catt, Jason Robinson and more, the shirt is destined for a glass display case and pride of place in the Braggins' family home.

In the letter, Nick talks of the tough routines and training sessions England's top rugby players are put through, but says "what we go through is nothing compared to what you have suffered".

He also says how inspired he has been by Ben and tells him: "I shall think of you when faced with adversity."

Ben underwent his first kidney transplant in 1999 but the operation was unsuccessful and he ended up having 12 hours of dialysis treatment at home, each administered by dad Iain andmumDawn.

Iain said that a second transplant in October 2004 gave Ben a new lease of life and it is since then that the youngster has developed a love of cricket, golf and pool, as well as rugby.

The year, Ben has spent a lot of time at Birmingham Children's Hospital as his body struggles to stop a rejective episode brought on by an infection.

While doctors consult experts from all corners of the earth on how to treat Ben, he continues to defy all the odds.

"It is pretty rare for the body to reject a kidney after three years," said Iain. "But it has not stopped him.

"He has only two speeds - full speed and fast asleep.

"He is never down, even when he is poorly, and to look at him you wouldn't think he is ill at all. He really is one tough cookie."