Danielle (12), of Pentney, has been nominated for a Super Kids award by her grandmother, Gloria Smith, who said: "In the last five and a half years, Danielle has been through so much."

Danielle's mum, Tracy Fox (42), was first diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy followed by weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Mrs Smith (61), who also lives in Pentney, said: "Danielle was very helpful while her mum was poorly in bed."

Eighteen months later, Mrs Fox faced further surgery. "She had a little operation that went very wrong. It led to five big operations and for a week she was in intensive care and on a life support machine," said Mrs Smith.

One of the operations took place on Danielle's ninth birthday.

"During the ten weeks her mum was in hospital, Danielle stayed with me a lot of the time.

"When her mum came home with open wounds in her tummy, Danielle helped the nurses who came in every day to dress them," said Mrs Smith.

Shortly afterwards, Mrs Smith was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and within three months needed a wheelchair to help her get around.

She said: "Before she goes to school, Danielle helps me get dressed and makes my breakfast. After school, she comes round again to see if I want anything done."

The family suffered a further blow when, a year after finding out she had MS, Mrs Smith was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Another tragic disclosure was just around the corner. "A year later, Danielle's mum's cancer has come back in her lungs," said Mrs Smith.

She praised her granddaughter for remaining cheerful and helpful, in spite of having so much to cope with.