A COMMUNITY has been presented with a prestigious award for its support of a young girl who was diagnosed with cancer. 

Beau, from Roberttown, Liversedge, tragically passed away earlier this year - just a few days short of her seventh birthday.

She had stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, which has one of the lowest survival rates of all childhood cancers.     

Beau's story touched many people and a campaign to send her to the United States for a vaccine trial raised almost £650,000.

Sadly, she suffered a relapse and her cancer spread before she could enrol on the trial.

Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, presented the Roberttown community with the award in recognition of the incredible support it showed Beau.

Beau’s mum, Shirley Hepworth, made the nomination and was present, along with her mother June, at the ceremony in London. It was hosted by the charity, Solving Kids Cancer. 

The award was collected by residents Andy Biddle, Chris Haigh, Katie Derry, and Sarah Gibbon. 

The money raised will now be used to support other families with children battling neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers. 

Presenting the award at the Holy Trinity Church in Chelsea, Ms Leadbeater said: “The Roberttown community was at the centre of the campaign and they showed what can be achieved when a kind, selfless, generous people come together for something they care about and believe in so deeply.”  

She paid tribute to Shirley, June, and Beau’s big sister Redd, saying she remembered Beau as “sassy and funny, just a playful, happy, brave little girl whenever the powerful drugs weren’t draining her energy".

She added: "Shirley, June and Redd were incredibly strong – determined to be there for Beau and to give her all the love and support that any little girl needs and deserves.” 

Kim said she had been proud to introduce Beau and her family to MPs at Westminster.

She spoke of her admiration for Shirley, saying: “Of course she wanted the best for her daughter, but she also said many times that she wanted to help all children living with cancer and their families.

"Alongside Solving Kids Cancer UK, she raised the profile of this devastating disease at Westminster and to the wider public. She helped galvanise a national campaign to bring systemic change that will improve the lives of all those affected by childhood cancer.” 

Kim quoted Shirley’s own words of thanks to the local community when she said: "Words cannot convey how grateful I am, how humbled I am, and how I will spend a lifetime finding ways to remind you. From the bottom of my aching heart, thank you.”