A BRAVE schoolgirl has celebrated her eighth birthday with a special award - after battling a rare type of cancer.

Gabrielle Matthews' proud mum nominated her daughter for Cancer Research UK's Little Star award.

It has been endorsed by pop princess Kylie Minogue.

On Monday, in front of her pals, Gaby picked up her award at All Saints School, Gresford.

It was a very different story this time last year, when 43-year-old Vicki was told her daughter had cancer.

Speaking from her home on Vicarage Lane, Gresford, Vicki said: 'After 15 months of being treated for swollen glands, Gaby underwent a biopsy.

'Tests showed she had an extensive tumour and surgery revealed it was larger than doctors first thought.

'She was in theatre for eight hours. I was told Gaby had papillary carcinoma of the thyroid and it was a rare type of cancer - especially in someone so young.

'The tumour had spread all up her neck and had affected the nerves to her face, shoulder and her voice box and thyroid glands, so removal involved delicate surgery. They had to work around all the nerves and the jugular vein.'

Gaby spent about three weeks at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

She then underwent treatment at Manchester's Christie Hospital.

Vicki, who has two other daughters, Catherine, 11, and Emma, 10, said: 'Gaby has a scar right around her neck and behind her ear but this isn't something which bothers her at all. She always has a smile on her face and is always there to brighten my dark moments.

'She really is a bright shining star.' North Wales community fundraiser for Cancer Research UK, Sarah McPhee, popped into school to hand over the accolade. She said: 'Gaby is a true little star and we heard how her courage and optimism have always shone through.

'It is recognition of everything she has been through and how she is a positive influence on everyone.'

Each year, about 1,500 children are diagnosed with cancer in the UK.

To nominate a candidate for a Little Star certificate, signed by Kylie, couldn't be easier. Parents, guardians, family friends, neighbours and teachers can call Emma Russell on 0113 231 9828 or e-mail littlestar @cancer.org.uk for a nomination form.

The awards are open to all children 16 and under who have cancer or have been treated for the disease.