SCHOOLGIRL Jennifer Hurst has had to cope with more than her fair share of troubles in her young life but has always managed to come up smiling -- and now the brave 12 year old is to get her just reward in the shape of a special Diabetes UK Young Achiever Award at London's Planet Hollywood later today (Thursday).

Jennifer from Douglas Avenue in Billinge, has suffered from diabetes from birth but hasn't let the condition slow her down and Star readers with good memories may remember her as a former winner of our Miss Starbud competition.

However, the last year has been incredibly difficult for the youngster as she has seen mum, Grace rushed into hospital several times with stomach problems before finally undergoing an operation to remove gallstones.

This was followed by the devastating news that her dad, Ernie would also have to undergo an operation after being diagnosed with cancer of the gullet and stomach.

Now out of hospital, Grace told the Star: "It has been one thing after another for Jennifer, what with me and Ernie being ill. Fortunately, my condition wasn't so serious but Ernie was in hospital for months and at one point, Jennifer was told that he might not last the day. "Thankfully, he is out now and recovering slowly. But Jennifer has been fantastic and a real tonic for both of us. She has always been a cheerful little girl, despite her own condition and she and her older sister, Helen have really kept us going, by helping round the house and making us get well cards."

Formerly a pupil at Billinge Chapel End Primary School where she excelled in music, winning the school music award for playing the violin, euphonium and piano; dancing and swimming, Jennifer is now continuing to produce excellent results at her new school -- Rainford High. She was also one of the faces which advertised the Sky Digital 'Shop' channel on a TV commercial last year and has also won local horticultural prizes at St Helens Show in the past.

Grace, who co-runs the Rainbow Guide Unit at Billinge Methodist Church where Jennifer also helps out, added: "I can't think of anyone who deserves this award more than her and she was made up when she heard about it."

The Diabetes UK Young Achiever Awards, which coincide with National Diabetes Week (June 11-17), will be held later today in London. Amongst the celebrities attending will be former Spurs footballer and fellow diabetes sufferer, Gary Mabbutt; actress Tara Morgan; and GMTV presenter, Dr Hilary Jones.