MOTHER’S PRIDE A MUM and daughter duo have been recognised for their contribution to a blood cancer charity.

Eight-year-old Issy Miller was diagnosed with leukaemia in September 2012 and received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant in December.

Her mum Laura has been recognised by the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards for founding the South Dorset Friends’ Group, which has raised more than £7,000 for the charity.

Little Issy is also celebrating after being nominated for the Little Hero of the Year award. She made ‘wiggly bags’ in bright colourful material for other little children to put their Hickman lines in.

Ms Miller, of Wareham, said: “Anthony Nolan means everything to us. Without the charity, we wouldn’t have Issy. It's that simple. I can’t describe how relieved we were to find out that there was a matching donor for Issy.

“The transplant process is risky in itself but without it we had no hope at all.”

The 32-year-old added: “I am so proud of Issy for being nominated for the Little Hero of the Year award. I am also surprised as I didn’t realise that she had been nominated.

“It was a publically nominated award so it’s lovely to think that other people have nominated her.

“When I told Issy that she had been nominated for the award, she literally jumped up and down and squeaked a lot.

“When we found out that South Dorset Friends Group was nominated for an award we were so surprised and excited. It’s a privilege to be able to help Anthony Nolan and we didn’t expect recognition.”

Anthony Nolan uses its register to match potential bone marrow donors to blood cancer patients in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant.

Issy has inspired her family and the community around her to set up South Dorset Friends’ Group who are raising vital funds for the charity – funds which will enable us to recruit more donors to the register and help more children like Issy.

The ceremony takes place on November 4 in the House of Commons and winners will be announced at the event.