A three-year-old Bromley girl has won an award for her bravery after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

Beau Apsley, of Romanhurst Gardens, who is being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, has been given a Little Star award.

The award, which was presented by Cancer Research UK in partnership with TK Maxx, acknowledges the courage children show during cancer treatment.

Mum Larissa, 36, said Beau has been a glowing example of bravery since April, when she first became unwell.

She was diagnosed in May and her treatment is expected to last two-and-a-half years.

Larissa said: "Beau is by nature a very happy little girl and although she still has a long way to go, she is coping really well with her treatment. 

"She has made us very proud. 

"She always looks forward to her hospital appointments and enjoys the playroom. But of course she does miss out on playgroup and playschool, which is hard.

"Having a child with cancer is horrendous – it is such an emotional rollercoaster. All we want to know is that she is going to be OK but of course we don’t have a crystal ball. 

"The uncertainly is absolutely petrifying for parents."

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Beau with her Little Star Award

Fortunately, thanks to research and improved treatments, overall survival of children with cancer has doubled in the last 40 years, with three-quarters of cases now cured compared to only a quarter in the early 1970s. 

Lynn Daly, spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK, said: "Beau is a glowing example of a child dealing with a horrible disease so early in life. 

"Her story is helping to raise awareness of the progress being made in the fight against children’s cancer.

"Thousands of children are here today thanks to the research that saved their lives."

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. 

To nominate a Little Star, or donate, visit cruk.org/littlestar