But just look at her now! The brave toddler has endured 12 months of painful and gruelling medical treatment including extensive chemotherapy, two major operations and a bone marrow transplant, but has bounced back from it all.

She celebrated her third birthday in November and now looks and behaves just like any other happy three-year-old, cheerfully playing with her toys and brushing her newly grown-back hair while sitting at her Disney dressing table.

After being dangerously ill and confined to a hospital bed for much of 2007, Emma Louise is at last able to enjoy the simple things in life other families take for granted, like days out with her devoted mum and dad, Sam and Stephen.

Emma Louise's battle against neuroblastoma – a rare and particularly aggressive form of cancer – is not over yet, but at last she is able to lead a normal life and enjoy all the things she missed out on for so long.

The family, who live in Banks Barn, Skelmersdale, are determined to remain positive about the future and enjoy the precious time they have with their little girl – their only child – while she is so well.
Mum Sam said: "Emma is really healthy, full of energy, and enjoying life. She's just like a normal three-year-old – with attitude!"

Emma Louise celebrated her birthday in style, being driven in a pink limousine to a princess-themed party at the family's local sports club, attended by 50 people.

She was presented with a Child of Courage Award at Liverpool Royal Court in November where she got to meet celebrities like the Premiership footballer Steven Gerrard. Sam said: "Her birthday party was brilliant. We had things like a bouncy castle and face painting and everyone offered their services free or at cost price. Everyone went out of their way to make it a really special day for her.

"Kerry Katona presented Emma with the Child of Courage Award and was absolutely amazing with her.
"She got to meet so many celebrities there.
"They all mentioned Emma when they were interviewed and said she stole the show."

Emma Louise was also recently invited to see the pantomime Cinderella at Liverpool Royal Court as the special guest of Pete Price from Radio City.
Sam said: "She has to go to a clinic at Alder Hey Hospital every four weeks and is still having chemotherapy, but is so well at the moment, it's wonderful."