FIVE-YEAR-OLD Martha Hanlon partied with a Blue Peter presenter and took part in a chocolate hunt at an event for children with serious illnesses.

Martha, from Headington, was chosen to attend the Starlight Children's Foundation party after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in April 2013.

Following chemotherapy she is now in remission, much to her family's delight.

But the little girl still had the chance to enjoy a special party, as past hospital appointments and other complications meant she often missed out on the fun when she was younger.

Martha's mum Eve said: "Over the past few years we've experienced a lot of disappointments as a family, having to cancel lots of plans such as birthday parties and holidays due to hospital appointments and other complications.

"Having the opportunity to attend Starlight's 'Escape' days really does make up for all the fun things Martha had to miss out on during her treatment.

"Starlight gives us something to look forward to and get excited about as a family and the kids really are made to feel special.

"We'd like to thank Starlight from the bottom of our hearts for giving us so many truly amazing memories to share as a family."

A number of special guests joined Martha at the party including Blue Peter presenter and newly appointed Starlight ambassador Lindsey Russell and actor and Starlight ambassador Tom Chambers.

Miss Russell posed for a picture with Martha and her brother Patrick on the day, which was held at the Roof Gardens in Kensington, London, earlier this month.

The schoolgirl, whose mother and father both work in West Oxfordshire schools, joined 180 other seriously ill children for a barbecue and some cream cakes.

She also took part in a chocolate egg hunt and a variety of other activities.

Miss Russell said: "Starlight is a wonderful charity doing phenomenal things.

"I have attended a few of their events and met many of the families and children.

"Their strength and bravery blows me away every time - they are truly phenomenal children.

"As a Blue Peter presenter, part of the job is doing extraordinary, daring challenges and I often find myself feeling scared and wondering if I have it in me to do them.

"Meeting the Starlight children has shown me you can do anything.

The children's upbeat attitude and amazing positivity is a genuine inspiration to me - they are my heroes."