A schoolgirl who battled back from a cancer diagnosis was the guest of honour at the opening of a new charity superstore.

Georgina Bover cut the ribbon at the latest Cancer Research UK shop at Crayford Island Retail Park alongside her parents.

It came some seven years after the eight-year-old was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour.

This is a mass on both kidneys and a dangerously high blood pressure meaning chemotherapy had to begin quickly at London’s St George’s Hospital.

Georgina became very ill during the treatment and had to be admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital, with further complications including fevers and blood transfusions before the family were told the tumours had grown.

The youngster, who was born after mum Julie and dad Jem went through six years of IVF treatment, had surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital to remove her kidneys, but skilful surgeons managed to save part of her left kidney by scooping the tumours out.

After further chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Georgina finished her treatment in January 2011 and has since become a fit and healthy girl who enjoys swimming, running, basketball and ballet.

Mum Julie said: “When Georgina was diagnosed, we were terrified she wouldn’t even survive, but just look at her now.

“Thanks to the treatment she had, she was given the all-clear last year and is now a happy and healthy. She only has three-quarters of a kidney and it is working well and being closely monitored, but she may need a transplant in the future.

“Money raised at this store and all the other Cancer Research UK shops will help more people like Georgina to survive, and that’s why we need people to support it.”

Cancer Research UK presented Georgina with a Little Star award to mark of her courage back in 2013 and the store opening was the latest recognition of her journey.

It specialises in homeware, fashion, books, and toys and the vast majority of items are £5 or less.

All profits go towards helping prevent, diagnose and treat more than 200 types of cancer.

The shop is open from 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.