THIS is the moment a brave Huncoat youngster received a Cancer Research UK Little Star award.
Little Rieli Biggins, now four, was diagnosed with leukaemia at just three-years-old.
Cancer Research UK presented him with a special award to mark his courageous battle against the disease.
The youngster, of Sedum Gardens, found out he was in remission just in time for his fourth birthday and a special visit last month to Lapland to meet Father Christmas.
He will however continue to have treatment until 2011 to make sure the disease is gone.
The annual Cancer Research UK Little Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, acknowledge the unique challenges faced by youngsters who encounter cancer.
Rieli’s mum, Jade Flood, nominated her brave son for the accolade after the Peel Park Primary School pupil became ill in January 2008.
Rieli has even overcome swine flu and bronchitis while he has been battling leukaemia.
He was diagnosed with the illness after he was unable to shake off a cold and felt constantly tried.
A blood test revealed he had leukaemia and he was immediately admitted to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for four weeks of intensive chemotherapy treatment.
His mum gives him chemotherapy treatment orally each day at home and he undergoes intravenous treatment monthly in hospital as well as a lumbar puncture every three months and regular bone marrow tests.
His mum Jade had just discovered she was pregnant when Rieli was diagnosed.
She gave birth to baby Lexia who is now one.
The courageous youngster received his Little Star award, a £50 TK Maxx voucher and certificate signed by celebrities including Leona Lewis, American heartthrobs the Jonas Brothers and athletics phenomenon Usain Bolt.
