CHRISTMAS is special in the Lisher household this year as they celebrate their daughter’s fight back from a rare cancer.

Keira Lisher was diagnosed in May with juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML), which affects only five British children a year.

Since then she has had a stem cell transplant and gruelling chemotherapy and is now on the road to recovery.

The three-year-old helped to launch the Gatwick Airport Christmas Appeal, which supports Cancer Research UK, Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice, and Gatwick TravelCare.

Keira, of Haywards Heath, is also one of Cancer Research UK’s Little Stars, children who have shown courage during treatment.

Her mother Yvette, who has two other children, Chloe, five, and Jack, 18 months, said: “I was in shock when they told me Keira had leukaemia. When they said she would need chemotherapy it hit me hard.

“Before she was ill, she was a quiet, timid little girl. But not any more. Now she has grown, not only in size. but also in attitude.

“She knows far more than a three-year-old should. But that is because she has spent so much time around adults and is familiar with all the medical terms used.”

Mrs Lisher is aware of the need to fund research for kinder treatments.

She said: “That research is vital but also extremely expensive. Cancer research UK receives no government funding, which is why events like the fundraising at Gatwick are so important.”

Keira and her mum ask others to nominate children for a Little Star award, a partnership between Cancer Research UK and TK Maxx.

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