CHILDREN battling cancer in Oxfordshire are to have their courage recognised by a host of celebrities.

Well-known faces, including X Factor winner Leona Lewis and footballer Ryan Giggs, are backing the Cancer Research UK Little Stars award.

The campaign aims to highlight the bravery of child cancer victims, and organisers are now seeking nominations for this year’s awards.

Earlier this year, a former winner of the award, 15-year-old Jake Spicer, from Blackbird Leys, passed away after a long and brave battle with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

The St Gregory the Great School pupil fundraised tirelessly for the various charities which had helped him over his short life.

His mother Lesley said being named a Little Star at Christmas in 2007 had meant a lot to Jake.

She said: “My husband and myself nominated Jake for his bravery.

“At the time he felt like there were much more deserving people out there, but that was just his nature.”

Another previous Little Star is 13-year-old Heather Barlow, from Banbury.

In 2003, when Heather was seven, doctors discovered a tumour the size of a tennis ball on one of her kidneys. She had the kidney removed and after a course of chemotherapy, is now fighting fit once more.

Her mother Deborah nominated her for the award, which she received at Christmas last year.

Mrs Barlow said: “We were all very proud of her and we thought getting the Little Star award would make her very proud too.“ Helen Johnstone, from Cancer Research UK, said that unlike other children’s awards, Little Stars had no judging panel as they believed each and every child who confronted cancer was extra-special.

She added: “The Little Star Awards, which are now in their seventh year, allow us to recognise the unique challenges faced by youngsters diagnosed with cancer and salute their courage.

“We are delighted that recipients will this year have £50 to spend on toys, books or fashion as part of TK Maxx’s wider commitment to supporting children with cancer.”

Other celebrities supporting Cancer Research UK’s Little Star Awards include Arsenal footballer Cesc Fabregas, dance group and winners of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, Diversity, and Tracey Beaker actress Dani Harmer.

Every Little Star will receive a certificate signed by the celebrities and a trophy.

Olympic champion and 100-metre world record holder Usain Bolt said: “I am so proud to be involved with Cancer Research UK’s Little Star Awards.

“Each and every one of the children who is nominated for the award is special. Their bravery in the face of this disease deserves to be recognised.

“They are the true champions.”

To nominate a Little Star, email littlestar@cancer.org.uk or call the Little Star Awards team on 0113 203 2440. The awards are open to all under-18s who have cancer or have been treated for the disease in the last five years