Stephanie Ballay and mum Shani.

Nine-year-old Stephanie Ballay decided her mum deserved a special treat this Mother’s Day.

She said that mum Shani was the best in the world for looking after her while she underwent treatment for leukaemia.

Stephanie entered a colouring competition in the Guernsey Press and won a huge bouquet of flowers.

‘I really wanted to get something special for mum this year because she has helped me with my illness,’ said Stephanie, whose dad, Geoff, 41, a self-employed carpenter, was in on the surprise.

Mrs Ballay worked at Northern Trust, but is currently a full-time mum to Stephanie and sister Jennifer, 2. She was very proud of her daughter.

‘She is so brave, such a lovely and loving girl. I love her to bits and I’m absolutely gobsmacked by what she has done. It is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me,’ she said.

When Stephanie failed to recover from chickenpox she was given a series of tests which showed changes in her blood. She was diagnosed with leukaemia and two days later was in hospital in Southampton – the week before Christmas.

‘I was really really upset because I knew I might lose my hair. I had only packed my bags to stay for a few days and I had to stay for three weeks,’ said Stephanie.