BRAVE cancer battler Kiera Bannister has been chosen to kick off Cancer Research UK’s nigh-time walking marathon.

The five-year-old will be lighting up Old Trafford today when she meets football legends Denis Law and Bryan Robson.

Kiera, of Albany Fold, Westhoughton, will be wearing a specially made glitter suit to signal Shine Manchester 2012 is now open for entries.

The Gates Primary School pupil was diagnosed with a Wilms Tumour in April last year.

She was initially treated with chemotherapy to shrink the tumour before undergoing painstaking surgery to remove it, along with her right kidney and appendix.

The plucky youngster faced a further course of chemotherapy, which she completed in August last year.

She started school the following month and is making good progress.

Her mum, Lisa Camick, said: “Throughout her treatment Kiera always had a smile on her face, not just on the good days, but also on the bad days too.

“She’s the bravest person I know.

“It is an absolute honour to help launch Shine Manchester 2012 alongside Denis Law and Bryan Robson. We’re really looking forward to meeting them.

“It’s thanks to research that Kiera is here today.

“Success stories like Kiera’s would not be possible without the work of Cancer Research UK.

“It’s vital that research continues to give more people like Kiera a chance in the future.”

This will be the third year Shine has been held in Manchester and the first time the event has started at the Old Trafford football ground.

Last May, 3,500 people took part in Shine and raised £700,000 for Cancer Research UK.

It is hoped 5,000 people will take part in this year’s event on Saturday, September 8, and raise £1 million for the charity.

The event features marathon or half-marathon distance options.

Nelson Laurencia, Cancer Research UK Shine event manager, said: “We are thrilled Kiera is making such a good recovery and helping us to launch Shine Manchester 2012.

“She will certainly light up Old Trafford in the glittering suit and is a true inspiration.”