LITTLE Katie-Ellen Jones may have a disease that affects fewer than 200 people in the world but the plucky two-year-old is all smiles.
She has already undergone 21 major operations but each time has come away with a grin on her pretty face.
And her parents Steve Jones and Kerry Pickstock say her positive attitude to life is the tonic they need to see them through each difficult day.
'People often say they can't believe me and Kerry aren't totally depressed by now,' says Steve. 'But if they could see Katie-Ellen laugh and dance, they'd see she stops us from getting too down about things.'
Katie-Ellen has spent most of her short life in Alder Hey Children's Hospital after being diagnosed with ultra-rare Pallister-Hall Syndrome.
She was born with seven fingers on one hand, short limbs and now also has a brain tumour. Although her physical development is slow, mentally she is a normal, happy little girl.
Now Katie-Ellen has been named as the Bravest Youngster Under Five in the Wire FM Local Heroes Awards, while mum Kerry was recognised for her work as a full-time carer by being voted the Runcorn Individual of the Year.
Last week, the family was presented with their awards by Kerry McFadden, ex-pop star and last year's winner of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
Dad Steve said the plan was to carry on doing their best for their baby girl.
He said: 'She's a lovely little girl, really outgoing but at the same time very laid back. Of course, there are times when she's frustrated and fed up, but 80% of the time she's on a high and just loves life.
'Kerry and I look at her when we're feeling down and say to ourselves 'If she can be that happy, there's no reason why we can't be'.'
