To learn that nine-year-old Ewan Barker is poised to enjoy his first Christmas without the need to take anti-cancer drugs in three years is heartening.

He was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2005 and has had to take chemotherapy drugs every month as well as endure two intensive courses of such treatment.

The courage with which this little boy faced up to his battle, together with the happy ending, make this an inspiring story at any time of year, but one particularly fitting for Christmas; and makes him a worthy recipient of the Cancer Research UK Little Star Award.

Of course, for the majority of people, Christmas is wrapped up in presents, good food and all the festive trimmings. And no one would begrudge anyone their well-deserved seasonal celebrations.

But the words of Ewan’s mother on the news that his cancer is in remission are a gentle reminder of the things that all of us hold most dear.

She said that it is the best present she could have asked for, and there is no doubt that all readers can understand such heart-felt sentiments.

For at the core of everyone’s celebrations is our love of family and friends. That, after all, is what is behind all the presents, decorations and good food, and we all know these things count for nothing without people to enjoy them with.