Melissa Sutton truly is a star

Melissa Sutton with her special award from Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens

Melissa Sutton, aged 17, of Whitworth, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in 2014 with a special award from Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens.

Melissa, who had to have four ribs removed as part of her treatment for cancer has had her courage recognised.

She received a Star Award, from Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens, in partnership with TK Maxx, for the bravery she showed throughout her treatment and is now backing this year’s campaign to encourage friends and family to nominate and honour the courage of children and young people who are diagnosed with cancer.

Each and every child and young person nominated receives the accolade, which is backed by a host of celebrities including Olympic medallist Greg Rutherford and professional dancers Kevin and Karen Clifton.

There is no judging panel because the charity and TK Maxx believe that every child who faces cancer is extra special.

Melissa, who is now cancer free, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma – a type of tumour found in the bone and soft tissue - in October 2014 and finished her treatment in September last year (2015).

Her treatment saw the former Whitworth High School pupil, who is now at Oldham College, have four ribs removed as well as chemotherapy and 30 sessions of radiotherapy.

While more youngsters are surviving cancer than ever before, around 25 children still die from the disease every year in the North West.

Those who do survive may live with long term side effects from their treatment, which can have an impact throughout their adult lives.

That’s why Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens, in partnership with TK Maxx, is raising vital funds to accelerate research into new, better and kinder treatments for children, teens and young adults with cancer.

TK Maxx is the biggest corporate funder of research into children’s cancers in the UK. The retailer’s support of the Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards is part of a wider partnership with the charity, which has raised around £27.1 million since 2004 through stock and cash donations. Around £23 million of this has specifically supported research into children’s cancers.

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens spokesperson for the North West, said: “Melissa is a true ‘star’ who richly deserves this accolade.

“Cancer has a devastating impact on children, forcing them to show an incredible bravery beyond their years. Treatment can last for months, or even years, meaning long stays in hospital away from siblings and friends.

“It is a privilege to be able to recognise the courage of youngsters like Melissa who has not only fought cancer but done so much to raise awareness of the disease including starting our Manchester Race for Life 5k event this summer and speaking on stage.

“We hope to acknowledge the bravery of many more children and young people across the North West and are encouraging family and friends to get nominating now.”

Melissa also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card and a certificate signed by celebrities.

Youngsters with cancer in the North West are benefitting from research carried out by Cancer Research UK. The charity’s work is wide-ranging, from investigating the causes of children’s cancers and finding new ways to diagnose them, to developing better and kinder treatments.

Thanks to the generosity of Cancer Research UK supporters, research such as this is helping to transform the outlook for children with cancer. Today around three quarters of children now survive beyond 10 years, compared to more than a third in the 1970s**.

Now the charity is calling on the public to show their support for children with the disease by nominating a child for a Kids & Teens Star Award or helping to boost funds for research to beat children’s cancers sooner.

To nominate a child, donate or fundraise in support of Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens visit cruk.org/kidsandteens.