A SCHOOLGIRL who has battled illness and adversity has been crowned one of the region’s most courageous youngsters.

Nine-year-old Gemma Conery of Peel Crescent, Ashton Hayes, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 12-months-old and as a result is unable to walk unaided, has endured major surgery on her feet and lower legs and can only move around her house by crawling.

But despite having to endure regular pain and discomfort, the Ashton Hayes Primary School pupil approaches life with a big smile on her face and is always keen to join in with the same activities her friends are doing.

It was Gemma’s general attitude towards life, as well as her bravery in coping with the death of her brother Jamie in May 2010, that she was nominated for Juice FM’s Child of Courage Award by her cousin Kelly Lee.

The Liverpool station’s annual Inspiration Awards celebrate the North West’s brightest stars in several categories and Gemma was delighted to be crowned this year’s Child of Courage.

The event was held last month at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Liverpool and mum Tracey said Gemma enjoyed being treated like a celebrity for the evening.

“It was a fantastic night – as parents we are so proud of her and think of ourselves as very lucky to have such a wonderful daughter,” she said.

“Cerebral palsy has affected Gemma physically but she does not have any learning disability and she has a wide amount of interests and gets involved with her school friends and family.

“She loves riding her bike, swimming, horse riding, drawing and is a keen gardener.

“Despite her pain she never complains and has always been fully involved in school life and wants to try everything that all the other children do. We all try and make sure she does not miss out on any opportunity that comes her way,” she added.

Tracey and husband Gavin have raised more than £15,000 for Chronicle-backed charity Miles of Smiles in Gemma’s name by organising football games, golf days and bike rides, and last year she even appeared on Granada Reports, fencing with former Paralympian Adrian Derbyshire when the Paralympic Flame visited Winsford.

Dad Gavin said he could not be more proud of his little girl.

“Gemma has regular physio and has had various operations to help with her walking but she never moans or complains and really is a true inspiration to us all.” he said.

“As parents we couldn’t be prouder she has won this award.

“I had had a couple of beers when I texted a friend after the ceremony to ask if anyone wanted to meet up the following week to raise a glass.

“From one text message, 70 people came to the local pub to show their appreciation for Gemma.

“There is not a prouder father in the world and we think of ourselves as very lucky to have such a wonderful daughter.”