A PRESTWICH schoolgirl who captured the attention of professional footballers and their wives while being treated for cancer last year, has had her courage recognised with a special award.

Elle Tierney, aged seven, from Highfield Road, received the Star Award from Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens, after completing her treatment for B-cell lymphoma.

Elle, a pupil at St Bernadette’s RC Primary School, was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma, which affects the lymph nodes and lymphatic system which are important in helping to fight infection, in January 2015.

It followed tests after her parents noticed a lump on Elle’s neck as she was getting ready to go to a New Year’s Eve party.

The little girl, who dreams of being a princess, was nominated for the Star Award by her father Paul, a former Manchester United youth footballer who was United’s young player of the year in 2002.

Paul and wife Stephanie, a receptionist, launched a fundraising campaign for their daughter at the time of her treatment which received backing from the footballers including ex-Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey who tweeted his support.

And now Elle, who is actually a Manchester City fan, has the support of another footballer as the Star Award is backed by a host of celebrities including England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney.

Her award is pride of place in Elle’s bedroom and the family is backing a campaign to encourage people in Greater Manchester to organise their own fundraising events in aid of Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens.

Paul, aged 33, a Salford City Council accounts manager, said: “As soon as I heard about Cancer Research UK’s Kids and Teens Star Awards, I put Elle’s name forward.

“I cannot believe how Elle coped with what she went through last year. She coped amazingly with spending around eight months in Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

“She could often not open her mouth due to severe mucositis and was in so much pain a lot of the time that she spent weeks on end lying in the same position and suffered major nosebleeds.

“She was fed through her intravenous line and required many platelet and blood transfusions along the way.

“She was also so brave when she was suffering from infections caught as a result of her reduced immune system. She also lost all her hair as a result of the treatment but this did not faze her.

“She’s still not back to full strength but is improving all the time. Elle loves dancing, playing with her sister Isobel, aged three.

“She loves making all sorts of things from her arts and crafts cupboard. She is a true Disney princess and loves dressing up too.

“We’re so grateful for the treatment that saved her life. Success stories like ours would not be possible without life-saving research, which in turn relies on everyone who raises vital funds.”

Elle has now finished treatment and is having four to six weekly check-ups at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens spokesperson for Greater Manchester, said: “Cancer has a devastating impact on children, forcing them to show an incredible bravery beyond their years, so it is a privilege to be able to recognise the courage of youngsters like Elle.

“Our mission to help more children in Greater Manchester, and across the UK, survive cancer relies on every hour of research, every pound raised and every person who gets involved. So we need as many people as possible to show their support for the Kids & Teens campaign.

“Whether you hold a bake sale, bathe in baked beans or take on a bike challenge - every individual contribution matters.”