A COURAGEOUS four-year-old girl from Staverton, who has been battling leukaemia for a year, has won an award that recognises the courage of children with cancer in the south west.

Staverton Primary School pupil Matilda Fisher was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia last December and ever since then she has undergone chemotherapy treatment.

A few months after Matilda had gone into remission, she has received a boost as she claimed a Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Award, after being nominated by her parents Gabby and Dave.

“We were really honoured to have been asked by Cancer Research Kids & Teens to help launch the awards. The charity approached us and Matilda loves to be involved. We are immensely proud of her,” said Gabby.

“Matilda is the most positive person I know. Despite everything she has been through and is going through she makes everybody around her smile and laugh.

“She never moans or makes a fuss, she just accepts everything and puts most people to shame. She really is the bravest person I know.”

Mrs Fisher has also set up the Sunshine Sacks campaign, which will send food, drink and other presents to give the families of children with cancer spending this Christmas in hospitals across the south west some much-needed festive cheer.

“The Sunshine Sacks campaign has been going brilliantly. We’ve had a fantastic response so far and are delighted that the local community have really got behind it,” she said.

Alison Birkett, spokesman for Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens in the south west, said: “Matilda very much deserves her award for the bravery and courage she has shown. She truly is a special little star.”

Drop-off points for the donations to the Sunshine Sacks appeal include The Bridal Lounge in Court Street and British Row, Trowbridge; Staverton Primary School; Belle of the Ball Bridals, High Street, Melksham JS Weeks and Co, St John’s Street, Devizes, and the management office at Emery Gate in Chippenham.

The drop-off deadline is December 14 and all items should be new, sealed, within any use by date, individually packed if possible, unisex and suitable for the whole family.