The remarkable story of a nine-year-old cancer sufferer has resulted in her getting a national award.

Chloe Gambrill, of Dumpton Park Road, Ramsgate, won Young Supporter of the Year at Cancer Research UK’s Flame of Hope Awards which recognise efforts in fund-raising and volunteering.

She picked up the award at a ceremony in London watched by her proud mum Kelly, dad Darren and brother Charlie, 11.

Three years ago, Chloe signed up to take part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life in honour of her grandmother Wendy Parrish, who had died of breast cancer a year earlier.

Chloe and her family had no idea that just a few weeks later she would be diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Despite starting an intensive course of chemotherapy and having an operation just three days before the race, Chloe was determined to take part.

She was so weak she collapsed part way round the course but refused to give up as she was worried if she did not cross the finishing line she would lose her £100 sponsorship money.

Chloe’s mum Kelly said: “When she collapsed, she was devastated. She laid in my arms begging me not to make her go back to the ambulance.

“She had already collected the sponsorship money and didn’t want to let anyone down. It seems like such a small amount but it was really important to her.”

Kelly, Darren and Charlie took turns to carry her around the course and helped her walk over the finish line.

Chloe is now in remission after 27 months of gruelling treatment including intravenous chemotherapy which made her hair fall out twice.

She was regularly too weak to go to school, spent time in a wheelchair, suffered constant nausea and headaches and pain so severe she was given morphine.

Since then, Chloe was guest of honour at last year’s Race for Life and is running again this year.

She has won a Daily Mirror Pride of Britain award and has helped promote Race for Life events around Kent.

Chloe is also one of Cancer Research UK’s Little Stars – an award presented to children who have had cancer.

Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “Our Flame of Hope awards give us the opportunity to celebrate and say thank-you to these enormously generous volunteers and supporters for the fantastic work they do.”