A BRAVE young leukaemia sufferer who has been nominated for a child achievement award may miss her moment of glory after being taken into hospital.

Lauren Richmond, six, of Taylor Street, Barnoldswick, was due to attend a presentation ceremony in London on Sunday after being nominated for a Child of Achievement award by her headteacher.

But the youngster, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in October 1999 and is currently in remission, may have to miss the event after she was admitted to St James Hospital, in Leeds, last Saturday, with a suspected infection.

The awards are now in their 20th year and are given to 150 children across the country who are judged to have helped others or overcome illness or disability.

Lauren, a pupil at Coates Lane Primary School, Barnoldswick, was nominated for the award by headteacher Sue Holloway who praised her courage and determination despite her illness. She said: "She is one of the most remarkable children I have ever met. She has a smile on her face all the time and in the face of all the hardships she's been through she's a real example to everyone at the school.

"When she was first diagnosed she had lovely brown curly hair and when she came back to school she was completely bald. But she never batted an eyelid and never once wore a hat. The other children look at her and think what a wonderful person she is.

"We are hoping she will be well enough to attend the ceremony because she's bought a lovely new dress and coat."

Sue said Lauren's mum Louise was at the hospital today waiting for results of blood tests before doctors could say whether she was well enough to travel.

The awards will be presented at the London Hilton's grand ballroom, in Park Lane, with special guests including TV personality and chat show host Gaby Roslin.