Brave schoolgirl who battled cancer is party's special guest

Bella Scriven, from Seaford, joined the circus-themed Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Star Awards party at The Roof Gardens in Kensington, London, on Saturday (May 21).

The extravaganza, held in partnership with TK Maxx, was organised to help raise awareness of the charity’s groundbreaking work in the field of children’s cancer research and the urgent need to boost funds.

Bella, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in June 2012, was one of 20 children who attended the party as an ambassador to represent around 600 youngsters who have received Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Star Awards in the last year.

The 11-year-old enjoyed an afternoon of crafts and games, honing her circus skills with activities including plate spinning and juggling.

Bella and her family - brother Noah, five, and grandparents Bob and Sandy - also met party host Stacey Solomon, before receiving a medal from the presenter and reality television star during a presentation ceremony.

The day’s entertainment was rounded off with surprise performances from Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey, comedy double act Johnny and Inel and the cast of Horrible Histories live on tour, as well as Milkshake presenters Derek Moran and Amy Thompson and their good friend Milkshake Monkey. Nanny Plum from children’s TV show Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom also made a special appearance.

Bella first became ill during a family holiday in Tenerife. The family cut short their break to return to the UK so Bella could start treatment at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital. She responded well, finished her treatment last August and was even able to keep up her beloved dance classes.

Bella’s mum Kirstin said: “Bella has done fantastically well throughout her chemotherapy and has been so brave, despite her needle phobia. They had a blast at the party. My mother-in-law couldn’t get over how kind everyone was. And Noah fell in love with Stacey!”

The Star Awards are part of the Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens fundraising campaign, which aims to accelerate research to find kinder treatments and cures for children, teens and young adults with cancer.

TK Maxx’s support of the Kids and Teens Star Awards is part of a wider partnership with Cancer Research UK which, since 2004, has raised more than £25 million.

The retailer’s Give Up Clothes for Good campaign encourages the public to drop off any bags of unwanted clothes at any TK Maxx store.

Visit www.cruk.org/kidsandteens for details.

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