TODAY is the first birthday for miracle baby Evie – who has defied all the odds.

After being born three months early and tiny, she was diagnosed with the most aggressive type of brain tumour, just weeks later.

She was given only a few months to live, with little hope that she could fight the cancer. But she fought on and defied all doctors’ expectations.

Now Evie Hircock has had her courage recognised by a national charity after being nominated for a Cancer Research UK Little Star Award by her proud mum, Sara.

Her mum said they never gave up hope and pushed for a scan which showed the tumour had stopped growing.

The Weymouth mum, who is living in Bridport while the family move home, said: “Amazingly, and to everyone’s shock, Evie had been fighting the cancer herself.

“She underwent brain surgery and faced three major operations in one week to remove part of the tumour.”

Sara added: “Doctors don’t know what the future holds, but that’s how it is with cancer.

“The odds have been massively stacked against Evie.

“Our girl has defied all the odds and is still with us. “We haven’t told people the extent of Evie’s battle because I wanted to be a normal mum and enjoy her while I could. “Being told Evie had cancer was the biggest shock possible to the system. You don’t hear much about babies having cancer.”

Evie’s dad, Dave, aged 40, said, “She gives us strength and is an inspiration of hope. I am so proud of her. This is the best Christmas we could have.”

Helen Johnstone, from Cancer Research UK, added: “Evie’s very moving and inspiring story is a perfect example of why children who battle cancer deserve to have their courage recognised.”

The annual awards acknowledge the unique challenges faced by youngsters who encounter cancer.

For more information, visit http://info.cancerresearchuk.

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