A BRAVE cancer patient was treated to an out of this world experience at a special party held to salute the courage of all children coping with the disease.

Timmy Shipton, of Chelmsford, was a guest of honour at the stars and space themed Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Star Awards party, held in partnership with TK Maxx, at The Roof Gardens in Kensington, London on Saturday.

The cosmic celebration, featuring a host of famous faces, was organised to recognise the bravery of young cancer sufferers and to help raise awareness of the charity’s groundbreaking work in the field of childhood cancer research along with the urgent need to boost funds.

Timmy, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma last August, was one of 20 children from across the UK who came together as special ‘ambassadors’ to represent the 620 children who received a Kids & Teens Star Award in 2014/15.

The party was a well deserved treat for Timmy who has been through months of gruelling treatment since his diagnosis.

Timmy’s cancer was diagnosed after his mum Maggie was concerned about a pain in his side that only came on at night-time.

She asked to see a specialist and an x-ray revealed a lump on Timmy’s ribs which covered the lower third of his lung – further tests showed it was a type of cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Timmy had to a major operation where a rib and part of his lung was removed, his diaphragm and chest wall also had to be reconstructed.

The young cricket fan has had months of chemotherapy and has one more session to go through later this month but through all of his treatment Timmy has never complained.

His mum Maggie said: “To look at him some days you wouldn’t know he has ill, he is full of beans. He’s never once complained or said he doesn’t want to go to the hospital.

“To see him after chemo is awful.

"The first time he was the life and soul of the ward on the Monday, but by the Thursday he looked so ill. That was when we realised it was very real and not going to go away.

“After his first session we got home and there was a package waiting for us – it was his award. I read him his little certificate and he was really pleased. I burst into tears. It meant a lot to all of us.

“Timmy took his award into school for the Show and Tell session so he could explain to his friends what was happening.”

At the party Timmy enjoyed an afternoon of galactic-inspired games and astronomical activities including experiments with dry ice, slime making, rocket launching and sampling freeze-dried astronaut ice-cream.

Timmy and his family also met a stellar line up of celebrities including Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins, former Pussycat doll Kimberly Wyatt and TV presenter Matt Johnson before receiving his Kids & Teens Star Awards medal during a presentation ceremony.

The day was rounded off with entertainment from CBeebies favourite Mr Maker and a special performance from X Factor stars Only The Young. The Star Awards are part of Cancer Research UK’s Kids & Teens fundraising campaign, which aims to accelerate research to find kinder treatments and cures for children, teens and young adults with cancer.

The charity has helped to transform the outlook for children with cancer in the UK. Around three-quarters of under-15s with the disease are now cured compared to only a quarter in the late 1960s.

Maggie said: “We desperately need more awareness and research into treatments available for children who have cancer.

"Timmy’s treatment came about from a trial in 1999.

"We want to do what we can to help raise awareness of the awards and the need for more fundraising in this area.”

TK Maxx is the biggest corporate supporter of research into beating children's cancers in the UK, where around 1,600 children are diagnosed with the disease each year - around 150 of them in the East. 

Danielle Glavin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Essex, said: “It was fantastic to see Timmy’s face light up as he took part in our stars and space themed party and met lots of celebrities.

“The Kids & Teens Star Awards party is a truly inspiring event and it is a privilege to be able to recognise children diagnosed with cancer, like Timmy, who shine with courage.”

Jo Murphy, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for TK Maxx, added: “The Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards are an amazing way of honouring the incredible bravery of children who have faced a diagnosis of cancer and the support they receive from family and friends.

“Thousands more people are alive today thanks to Cancer Research UK’s work into children’s cancers, so TK Maxx is very proud to be supporting the awards and helping to raise vital awareness and funds.”

TK Maxx’s support of the Kids & Teens Star Awards is part of a wider partnership with Cancer Research UK, which since 2004 has raised a staggering £19.7 million with £15.7 million directly funding research into children’s cancers.

The retailer’s flagship fundraiser for the charity is Give Up Clothes for Good which asks the public to drop off any bags of unwanted clothes, accessories and quality homeware at TK Maxx stores all year round to help beat children’s cancers.

To support Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens please visit cruk.org/kidsandteens or text KIDS3 to 70200 to donate £3.***