A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD girl from Bournemouth has received a special award for her bravery in battling a brain tumour.

Summer Phillips, from Ensbury Park, was diagnosed with the tumour last Christmas, and required major surgery.

But she has since amazed doctors with her courage and has now been recognised with a Little Star Award from Cancer Research UK.

The special awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, acknowledge the unique challenges faced by youngsters who encounter cancer.

Just over a year ago Summer, who has a twin sister, Sienna and brother Kyle, 13, started having seizures. She was sent for a scan and doctors thought it may be epilepsy but, following a massive seizure at school which left her unconscious for several hours, an MRI scan highlighted the brain tumour.

Summer, who attends Hillview Primary, was transferred to Southampton General Hospital for specialist treatment and underwent a six-hour operation to remove the tumour in January.

Follow-up tests confirmed the tumour was more aggressive than first thought and the NHS arranged for Summer to spend 10 weeks in America for the latest proton radiotherapy treatment available for her type of cancer.

Mum Charlene, 33, said: “She has suffered permanent hair loss as a result of the treatment but, apart from that, there are no outwards signs of how poorly she has been. Summer has regular MRI scans but she is doing well.

“This Christmas is going to be so special – one of the best. Last year was absolute hell and being able to have a normal family Christmas is the best I could ever wish for.”

She added: “If her story can help even one child who has seizures, by raising awareness about cancer, it will be so worthwhile.

“The community have been amazing. And have really pulled together for my little girl. Their support has really been incredible.”

Summer was nominated for the Little Star Award by her nan, Linda Granger, and received a £50 TK Maxx gift card and certificate signed by celebrities.

Little Star awards are not judged

The Little Star Awards are open to all under 18s who have cancer or who have been treated for the disease in the last five years.

Siblings of Little Stars also receive a special certificate in recognition of the support they give.
The public can show their support for children with the disease by nominating a Little Star or donating to fund the charity’s life-saving work.

All children nominated receive the accolade.

There is no judging panel because Cancer Research UK and TK Maxx, which supports the initiative, believe that every child who faces cancer is extra special.

To nominate a Little Star visit cruk.org/littlestar