THERE is hope for all youngsters who face a difficult challenge. That is the message from Michelle Roussel, mother of six-year-old cancer patient Chloe, who has won the Barclays Child of 2003 Award for showing determination and courage in the face of adversity.

‘Everyone thinks that it is just adults who are ill or face real problems, but children do go through it as well,’ said Mrs Roussel.

‘The stories of the children nominated for these awards prove that and also show what courage and determination they can show.’

Chloe has been having chemotherapy and radiotherapy and had to spend last Christmas in the UK, away from her family, while undergoing treatment.

Mrs Roussel, of Rue du Tertre, Vale, said that despite this, Chloe still had a positive attitude and even offered support to older children who were at the start of similar treatment.

‘Myself, my husband, Jamie, and, of course, Chloe were overjoyed to win the award but all the children deserved to win because they have shown courage in the face of different, but also difficult, challenges,’ she said.

The winner of the award receives a family trip to Disneyland Resort Paris, spending money, a trophy and a certificate.

‘I was happy to win and can’t wait to go to Disneyland,’ said Chloe, the winner of the inaugural award.

She is due to have an operation soon and continues to have treatment.

‘The idea behind the award is to reward children who have shown courage and bravery despite difficult circumstances,’ said Steve Berry, head of the bank’s local business.

The three runners-up, Georgia Smith, 13, Hayden Dempsey, 9, and Carment Tippett-Bewey, 5, each received a £100 gift voucher, a trophy and a certificate.

Georgia was nominated by her grandparents because of the support she gave her family after brother Ollie suffered a brain haemorrhage while taking part in football trials in Southampton.

Hayden was nominated because he has had to cope with serious illnesses which have involved major surgery.

He has also recently been diagnosed with diabetes, yet his mother said that he still smiled and had a real passion for life.

Since she was two years old, Carment has had to help her mother, who has a severe spinal problem.

‘She really has missed out on some of the things other children get to do because of my condition,’ said Mrs Tippett-Bewey.

‘But she never complains and still picks up things for me, helps me get dressed and just generally spends time helping me around the house.’

Carment has already spent some of the £100 on a cuddly toy, a DVD and a kite.