A LITTLE girl who has undergone extensive treatment for a brain tumour has had her bravery recognised by a North-East charity.

Six-year-old Lily Hartley, from West Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of three, and over the last three years has had surgery on eight separate occasions.

For the last 15 months Lily has been having chemotherapy and her treatment will continue until the end of the year.

She was presented with a Brave Heart award from BBC presenter Carol Malia at St James’ Park in Newcastle this afternoon (Thursday, November 26).

When asked what prize she would like most the St Benet’s Primary School pupil said she would like to see the Queen’s house so the awards organisers have arranged for her to enjoy a trip to London to see Buckingham Palace.

Her mother, Clare, said: “She has just got on with her treatment. She has got us through it. In every photograph we have of her she has got a smile on her face.”

The bravery and courage of 30 of the most deserving and inspirational children from the North-East and Cumbria was recognised at the annual ceremony on Tyneside.

Each received a Brave Heart crystal plinth, and a gift of their choice, in recognition of the courage and strength they have shown in battling illness or adversity.

Bravehearts trustee Jim Knight said: “These children, and their families, go through so much, and yet they retain their spirit, their humour, and their courage throughout.

“They are an inspiration to us all, and as a charity we feel it is important that they receive the kind of recognition they so hugely deserve.”

Six-year-old Sam Hardy, from Darlington, who has been treated for neuroblastoma for over 15 months, was also presented with an award.

The youngster, who attends West Park Academy in Darlington, has been given tickets to see Shrek the Musical and shopping vouchers as a prize.

Sam’s mother, Emma Pattinson said: “We are pleased that he is getting something. He does deserve it. We feel pretty emotional about it.”

Ten-year-old Matthew Gill, from Chester-le-Street, has been undergoing treatment at the Royal Victoria Infirmary for Acute Myloid Leukaemia since 2013.

He has had to undergo two bone marrow transplants, spending many months in isolation away from friends and extended family.

The Ouston Primary School pupil received a laptop computer as well as his award.

His mother, Gail said: “I am very proud of him. He has chosen a computer and it is something he has wanted for a long time.

“He has always had a good attitude and made us very proud.”

The full list of Bravehearts award winners:

Sam Hardy, six, from Darlington; Matthew Gill, ten, from Chester-le-Street; Lily Hartley, six, from West Pelton; Ethan Oakley, nine, from Seaham; Mason Campion, five, from Crook; Robert Haswell, seven, from Chester-le-Street; Alexandra Turner-Davis, 16, from South Shields; Caitlin Hill, seven, from Gateshead; Harrison Mooney, eight, from Blyth; Ellis Blaylock, ten, from Gateshead; Daniel Mattison, 15, from Cramlington; Harrison Cochrane, six, from South Shields; Chloe Beaney, 15, from Cramlington; Ava Bambridge, six, from Wrekenton; Amrit Singh, nine, from Fenham; Tallia Lawson, 15, from Walker; Lacey Wright, five, from Wideopen; Oliver Bilcliffe, 15, from Cullercoats; Katie Duff, nine, from Prudhoe; Courtney Walsh, 14, from Carlisle; William Richardson, five, from Cramlington; Michael Graham, 15, from Blaydon; Maddie Simpson, 12, from Middlesbrough; Emily Shutt, five, from Workington; Daniel Morgan, 15, from Whitley Bay; Nicholas Cooper, 15, from Bishop Auckland; Amy Ellery, 16, from Seascale; Skye Aitman, ten, from Blaydon; Freya Richardson, nine, from Bishop Auckland; Evan Ward, 15, from Whitley Bay.