Brooke Craig from Paisley, who spent her sixth birthday in hospital while being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, has received a Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People Star Award.
The youngster was diagnosed at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow this May after experiencing symptoms including unexplained bruises, exhaustion, a sore stomach and pale skin.
Brooke Craig from Paisley has received a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award (Image: Cancer Research UK)
Brooke’s mum, Amanda Crawford, 35, said: “It felt overwhelming.
“I remember shaking my head and feeling like this couldn’t be happening.
“Our cheekiest, funniest, adorable daughter couldn’t have cancer.
“But I also felt calm.
“The medical care in the children’s cancer ward, Schiehallion, was fantastic from day one.
“I could feel the energy and the professionalism.
“I could tell it was a centre of excellence but I still didn’t want to be there as it meant my child had cancer.
“I burst into tears soon after that but I knew the staff would do everything they could to get Brooke well again.”
Brooke lost her long, curly hair in the first 40 days of treatment and missed her classmates at primary school.
She was not well enough to leave hospital in time for her sixth birthday on July 2 this year.
Amanda said: “Brooke’s dad and I took turns staying overnight in hospital with her.
“I remember before her birthday stumbling about in the middle of the night trying to keep quiet as I attempted to get balloons to stick to the hospital walls.
“She still laughs about that.
“We brought presents in on her birthday and the staff were lovely.
“But really she didn’t feel well at all then.”
Brooke Craig from Paisley has received a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award (Image: Cancer Research UK)
Brooke was in the hospital for 10 weeks in total after diagnosis, and is currently scheduled to have more than two and a half years of treatment.
Initial tests show the chemotherapy is working well, with her family hoping she will be well enough to return to school in the new year.
The youngster, who now dreams of becoming a doctor or paramedic so she can help other families, received the Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People Star Award in recognition of her bravery.
Brooke Craig from Paisley has received a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award (Image: Cancer Research UK)
Amanda said: “We’re so proud of our smart, intuitive wee girl and of the determination she’s shown.
“When your child is going through cancer you literally have to take one day at a time.
“In crucial moments that can change to taking things an hour at a time or even minute by minute.
“I was devastated for Brooke when she was diagnosed and it has felt like a long haul for all the family.
“But right from the start, it’s been Brooke who has often kept us going.
“She says she wants to look after other people when she grows up and her caring nature shines through.
“She is our star and deserves the award for being resilient and brave.”
Brooke is part of the UK arm of the AllTogether-1 clinical trial, an international study funded by Cancer Research UK.
The trial aims to find more effective treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Across the UK, around 18,000 children and young people have taken part in Cancer Research UK clinical trials since 2002.
The Star Awards, run in partnership with TK Maxx, help to shine a light on the challenges still faced.
Brooke Craig from Paisley has received a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award (Image: Cancer Research UK)
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Scotland, said: “A cancer diagnosis is heartbreaking at any age, but it can be especially hard for youngsters.
“Brooke is a real star who has been through so much at such a young age and it has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate her courage with a Star Award.
“Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment – and many may experience serious long-term side effects.
“That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to find new and less toxic ways to beat this devastating disease.
“We’re urging people across Scotland to nominate children for a Star Award now, so that many more can receive the acknowledgement they so richly deserve.”
Every child nominated for the award receives it, as the charity believes that all children diagnosed with cancer deserve special recognition.