The Little Star from Worthing who is bravely battling cancer

Six-year-old Isaac West received a Little Star award from charity Cancer Research UK, after he was nominated by his cousin Jack.

And to celebrate his achievement, his family threw him a surprise party just days before he had an operation to remove the cancerous tumour from the neck of his bladder.

Astounding

His mum, Frankie, 35, of First Avenue, Worthing, said: "I'm full of admiration for him. I know he's my son, but he absolutely astounds me. He has coped so well.

"He's so lovable and so loving. I'm so pleased Jack nominated him for this award, because I think he should be praised for his bravery.

"He deserves to be puffed up a bit. He deserves it for everyone to say well done. He has done incredibly well to get this far."

Jack Window, nine, nominated his cousin for the award which is presented in association with the TK Maxx Together for Kids Fund. It recognises the unique challenges faced by youngsters who confront cancer.

Brave and cheerful

He said: "Isaac has been very brave and cheerful even though he has had to have lots of treatment and medicine. I think he really deserves this award."

Isaac was diagnosed with cancer in September last year, after he began having trouble going to the toilet.

Before they realised what it was, doctors told the family they did not think there was anything seriously wrong, and they were told they could go on their summer holiday to Spain.

But while there, Isaac fell ill again and the family flew back to the UK. Doctors then found the cancerous tumour and Frankie said after that point, they moved quickly.

Chemotherapy

Days later, Isaac began having chemotherapy which has shrunk the tumour by almost half and on Tuesday, Isaac had an operation to remove it. He will continue having chemotherapy for the next few months, to ensure the cancer is gone.

Frankie said: "Fortunately, cancer means nothing to him. He knows he has a lump and we are going to get it removed and that's it.

"I'm just so proud of him. He's the sweetest, most good-natured, caring little boy you could ever imagine and he's always looking on the bright side. He's amazing."

Frankie, who also has a four-year-old boy called Rafferty, said finding out their son had cancer was devastating for her and husband Nick, 36.

Worst nightmare

"It's tough. It's your absolute worse nightmare. It's like waking up in a fog every day.

"It's hard to watch your child go through it. You go through so many emotions. I was so angry and I just thought 'why Isaac?'. It's really hard."

Throughout his ordeal, Isaac has continued to go to school most afternoons and in the morning has a private tutor, so he can keep up-to-date with class work.

His family were so desperate to help him recover, they even investigated experimental treatment in Switzerland and the USA.

Proton therapy

But the proton therapy they had hoped would help Isaac was ruled out by doctors who said it was not suitable for his type of tumour.

Once Isaac is well enough, Frankie is planning on taking the family on a short break to Centre Parcs, where Isaac is looking forward to going swimming.

"He looks forward to everything, and has never once