A courageous four-year-old girl has been presented with an award after she was diagnosed with the same type of eye cancer as her mother and grandmother.

Shortly after Cerys Hollyer, of Eastern Avenue, Pinner, was born, she was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, sometimes known as RB, a cancer that affects the retinas of children under six.

Many children with the condition undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy and, in some worse case scenarios, have to have an eye removed.

Fortunately this has not happened to Cerys, who has undergone cryotherapy and laser treatment at the Royal London Hospital, where doctors continue to monitor her progress on a regular basis.

Now, in recognition of her outstanding efforts and bravery, four-year-old Cerys has been named a CHECT Champion by the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust – an award which aims to recognise the courage, resilience and patience shown by all children affected by RB throughout treatment and beyond.

Proud mother Helen Hollyer said: “Cerys has been an absolute star and this award means so much to her.

“RB is a horrible thing to have hanging over you but she has dealt with all the treatment and the hospital checks with such courage. I’m very, very proud of her.”

As the disease runs in families, and both Cerys’ mum and grandma also had the cancer, it was thought best to check Cerys’ health at the earliest possible opportunity.

The test revealed the baby was also affected.

Ms Hollyer added: “Our family has had very virulent forms of RB. My mother, Sarah, had it and she gave birth to four children, three of whom had RB including me, so it’s something we’ve learned to cope with through the generations.

“Fortunately, Cerys has been very lucky compared to some other children with RB who lose their sight or have an eye removed.

“It is something that is hanging over us, but at the moment Cerys is doing very well and the hospital visits have brought good news. We just have to hope that continues.”

The CHECT Champion awards are sponsored by Credit Suisse, with each child receiving a medal together with a framed certificate and goody bag.

Joy Felgate, chief executive of CHECT, said: “Every child affected by retinoblastoma faces huge disruption, upset and distressing treatment not to mention follow-on check-ups.

“We are delighted to recognise the courage, resilience and resourcefulness shown by Cerys throughout her treatment. She really is a thoroughly deserving champion.”