A little girl is counting down the days until Christmas by celebrating her birthday ... and a year since conquering cancer.

Twelve months ago Evie Herriott, from Shoreham, was ringing the bell to mark the end of treatment for an aggressive tumour in her chest.

Now Evie, who celebrated her fourth birthday on December 18, will be enjoying Christmas at home rather than in hospital and has received a special award for her bravery.

Her mother Kelly said: “I think it’s important for other families who are perhaps just starting out on the journey we’ve been o, to know there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“It is a scary time – you are thrust into a world you know nothing about and have to put your trust in the doctors and the scientists.”

Evie was diagnosed with an aggressive tumour at 21 months old and was rushed to emergency chemotherapy. Her parents were told that the tumour was close to preventing her from walking.

Now Evie has been awarded a Star Award by Cancer Research UK to recognise her bravery.

Evie’s brother Harry has also been recognised after he helped to raise money for Cancer Research UK shortly after his sister came out of hospital.

Harry, now 12, ran two miles every day in March, raising over £15,000 for the charity.

Lynn Daly, spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK in the South East, said: “Evie is a real star – she has been through so much and she’s only just four. It has been a privilege to celebrate her courage with a Star Award and huge credit to Harry too for raising so much money to support her and researchers.

The Argus: Evie, right, and brother Harry during her treatmentEvie, right, and brother Harry during her treatment (Image: Cancer Research UK)

“As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the progress made in the fight against the disease, but there’s still much further to go. Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment - and many youngsters may experience serious long-term side effects.

“That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to ensure more children and young people survive cancer with a good quality of life.”