THE Pride of East Lancashire Awards have been praised by the people helping a battling little girl who has touched the hearts of the country.

Seven-year-old Kirsty Howard, the face of Didsbury's Francis House Hospice, was born with her heart back to front and all her other organs misplaced.

Her day-to-day living is also severely restricted by abnormal blood vessels developing in her lung.

Kirsty is one of only two children in the world with the condition and in February 1999 she was given only six weeks to live. But her inspirational bravery has been a motivation to many.

She walked hand in hand with David Beckham on to the Old Trafford pitch with her 45lb oxygen tank trailing behind her before a World Cup qualifier against Greece.

Then she was chosen to present the jubilee baton to the Queen at the opening of the Commonwealth Games with her newfound friend.

Our second Pride of East Lancashire award is the accolade for Child of Courage and we are currently searching for nominations.

In the last two years, Kirsty has helped to raise more than £2million for Francis House Hospice. Her target is £5million.

Susie Mathis, campaign co-ordinator, said: "Campaigns like the Pride of East Lancashire are fantastic as they help to raise awareness of both children of courage and the associations which help them.

"Kirsty's appeal for £5million will help many other very poorly children in the future and be an everlasting legacy to her bravery. I can think of no other little girl that has achieved so much in such a fragile little lifetime. Kirsty's spirit is an inspiration to everyone she meets.

"We have watched her shine at so many huge occasions and her fantastic work for her appeal has significantly raised the profile of Francis House Children's Hospice. Kirsty represents so many other children that also have short life expectancy and we pray that long may she continue to defy her medical prognosis. Her dad Steve said: "Kirsty's mum and I are thankful for every day to see Kirsty enjoy special moments. Our daughter fills us with pride.

"She is a little fighter and while she is well and enjoying her appeal we know that she is helping towards securing her hospice which has become a haven for all of our family."

If you know of a child of courage from East Lancashire nominate them for our award at www.thisislancashire.co.uk or complete a nomination form.