Brave little star

STILL smiling . . . Alicia shows off her award

FEARLESS leukaemia fighter Alicia Stott has been honoured by Cancer Research UK.

The battling little seven-year-old, from Shaw, who has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in April, was presented with the Little Star award for her courage and positive attitude.

Poorly Alicia has received chemotherapy since her diagnosis in April. She is due to start another course of treatment next Wednesday.

The intense nature of the sessions leave the Crompton Primary School pupil feeling so weak that she has to use a wheelchair.

But courageous Alicia, who has lost her hair twice, has impressed everyone with her remarkable cheerfulness and has become known as “Smiler” with the team at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in Pendlebury.

Her mother Donna nominated Alicia for the award.

She said: “When we were told Alicia had cancer, it was a huge shock.

“Nobody in our family had ever been affected by the disease. But Alicia has been amazing and a shining example for all children going through the same thing.”

Cancer Research UK’s regional spokeswoman, Jane Bullock, added: “Alicia is an exceptional little girl.

“She richly deserves the award.”

The annual Cancer Research UK Little Star Awards, in partnership with clothing retailer TK Maxx, acknowledge the unique challenges faced by youngsters who confront cancer.

Each child nominated receives a £100 TK Maxx voucher, trophy and a certificate signed by celebrities.

Cancer Research UK is inviting anyone under the age of 18 battling cancer or who has undergone treatment for the disease in the past five years, to nominate them for the award. Only one nomination per child is necessary.

To nominate a Little Star visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/littlestar or call Paul Wadsworth on 0113-263 6495.