A COURAGEOUS five-year-old girl from Staverton who has battled leukaemia for more than 18 months was a guest of honour at a nationwide awards party.

Matilda Fisher was a special guest at the Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Star Awards party in London, which honoured the strength of those diagnosed with the disease across the UK.

She took to a personalised walk of fame with her name in stars, went up on stage in a talent-style show performance, enjoyed a magician’s workshop, dance and acrobatic skills training and entertained by CBeebies presenter Cat Sandion.

“Matilda absolutely loved it. She had the time of her life. She was in hospital for her birthday and she has missed other parties and special events, so for her to have this was wonderful,” said her mum Gabby, who went along with dad Dave and Matilda’s year-old brother Marley.

“It was nice to escape what has become normality for us. To see her as happy as she was at this special event was just perfect.

“There were about 20 other people and they all loved it too.”

Matilda was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in December 2016 and soon afterwards she underwent chemotherapy treatment.

Despite being in remission, she is still receiving treatment.

“Matilda is doing alright. She is a bit tired. She is doing her last week in reception at Staverton Primary, who have been so good to her,” said Gabby.

“Despite receiving all this cancer treatment she has still managed to attend school. Considering she has had chemotherapy, it is quite impressive.”

She added: “It’s been a really tough journey but Matilda has smiled her way through it and been an inspiration, to not only us, but to so many. We are just so proud of her.”

Every child and young person nominated receives a trophy, a T-shirt, a certificate signed by celebrities and a £50 TK Maxx voucher.