A BIRTHDAY is special at any age, but for little Chelsea Noone and her family her 11th birthday was extra important.

Just three years ago her life hung in the balance as she battled against cancer.

But today Chelsea, of Alma Street, is just like any other young girl who is mad about ponies and the pop group S-Club7.

"She's in really good health and feeling brilliant," said her mother, Trish.

"We can't thank the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and everyone who has supported it and us enough."

When Chelsea began complaining of headaches and coughs in 1995 her parents, Trish and Allan, had no idea it was anything serious. But their lives were turned upside down when they were informed that their five-year-old daughter had leukaemia.

For two years she underwent gruelling chemotherapy sessions and in November 1997 the cancer went into remission. The intervals between check-ups grew wider and Chelsea was able to return to Gorsefield County Primary School.

But in September 1998 Chelsea once again began complaining of headaches and the devastated family were told the cancer had returned.

A bone marrow transplant was Chelsea's only chance of survival and through the pages of the Bury Times the family appealed for volunteers to sign up with the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust as potential donors for Chelsea and thousands like her.

A donor was found and Chelsea underwent a bone marrow transplant at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital the following May, spending the many months afterwards in isolation.

Now Chelsea is looking forward to starting at Radcliffe High School and a healthy future, but first she's got a holiday to look forward to.