A BRAVE Bolton schoolgirl is backing a fundraising campaign aimed at beating childhood cancers.

Victoria Marsh, aged nine, was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in May 2010 aged just four and is now helping to launch Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens campaign.

Victoria, from Horwich, who has just marked five years being cancer free, is calling on people across the North West to get involved in the campaign backed by T K Maxx.

The charity's ongoing mission is to raise money to find cures and kinder treatments for cancers affecting children, teens and young adults.

Victoria's mum Michele Marsh said: “I can’t even begin to explain how it feels to be told your child has cancer. Victoria’s diagnosis turned our lives upside down and our first thoughts were that we were going to lose her.

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

Victoria was diagnosed in May 2010 after her parents, Michele and Anthony Marsh, noticed a lump in her throat. The lump spread to Victoria’s neck and she underwent a tonsillectomy to have one of her tonsils removed.

Subsequent tests revealed the youngster had Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and she immediately began four months of chemotherapy treatment at Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Victoria completed her treatment in August 2010 and the following month she started school at St Mary’s RC Primary School in Horwich.

Michele added: “Victoria has shown incredible bravery throughout her illness. The treatment was tough at times – especially when she lost her lovely long curly hair. She coped with months of treatment with unbelievable bravery, strength and resilience, despite all the things she was missing out on while she was ill. We tried to keep things as normal as possible and she still went to nursery when she could. She was a real inspiration to us all.

“Now she’s well, we’re determined to do everything we can to help other families spend more precious moments together. So we hope our story will inspire people to support Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens, because it’s thanks to research that Victoria is here today.”