A BRAVE girl from Bournemouth battling a rare form of cancer was the star at a special party to honour the courage of youngsters coping with the disease.

Amelia-Grace Cooper was the guest of honour at the Cancer Research UK and TK Maxx Little Stars Awards party at London Zoo at the weekend picking up a special award along with 22 other children.

The bash also featured celebrities including X Factor finalist Stacey Solomon, ex-EastEnder Kara Tointon, and Blue Peter presenters Konnie Huq and Andy Akinwolere.

Amelia has been battling the disease since January last year when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that usually only occurs in children under five.

After a nine-hour operation, stem cell transplant, radiotherapy and rounds of chemotherapy the family were told this year the cancer had returned. But despite deciding not to have any more treatment, Amelia-Grace has amazed everyone with her zest for life.

Her mum, Chantel, a nurse at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital said “Amelia-Grace had amazed and inspired everyone with her love of life and her ability to rationalise the challenges she has had to face.

“She has endured horrible treatments and side effects and despite being in great pain and distress has always managed to make someone laugh with her quick wittiness.

“Although she has questioned why she has cancer, she never felt sorry for herself.”

To ensure the brave youngster has the chance to enjoy as many experiences as possible, the family has set-up a fund to support it – The Amelia Cooper Fund.

They want to give Amelia the opportunity to do as many fun things as possible and have set up an HSBC Community Account, sort code 40.13.07 and account number 52288370, for people to donate money to.

Alternatively, anyone who has a fun experience they believe Amelia would enjoy can contact Chantel by email charnersuk @yahoo.co.uk