TWO super sisters will be separated this Christmas as the elder sibling will be bravely fighting cancer in hospital more than 100 miles away from home in Barrow.
Aimee and Tilly Robinson have been nominated as Christmas Stars for their courage and selflessness.
Eleven-year-old Aimee has been battling leukaemia since January. She is going to be in the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital over Christmas as she is under going aggressive chemotherapy treatment.
It is hoped that she will be able to have a bone marrow transplant. A transplant will mean that Aimee will go into isolation for a number of weeks to prevent infections as her immune system is weak after treatment.
The family will be all split up this Christmas. Aimee's parents Joanne and Paul will be staying with Aimee in hospital, but five-year-old Tilly will be at home in Barrow with her two sets of grandparents.
The Robinsons have said it is going to be a tough being apart at Christmas, but they know that Tilly is being extremely well looked after and made a fuss of. They will speak regularly over the FaceTime smartphone app.
Aimee was also in hospital during her birthday this year.
Joanne said: "Both girls make us so so proud.
"It is going to be hard to be apart, especially at this time of year. Normally at Christmas we would all be a home together watching Christmas movies.
"Tilly has been very selfless. She knows that Aimee is poorly and we are here at hospital. She just gets on with things, just like Aimee does.
"Tilly loves coming to hospital to be with Aimee and to play with all the children. She loves giving Aimee big hugs and she also gives her virtual hugs through FaceTime.
"Aimee never moans about being in hospital or her treatment, she takes things in her stride and is her normal self."
The team Aimee's Army, inspired by the youngster, took part in the Coniston to Barrow walk in May for the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group cheered on by Aimee and Tilly. Aimee walked the finishing straight. Aimee's T-shirt read "I'm fighting leukaemia, what's your Super Power?" and Tilly's read "Supporting my Sister".
Brave Aimee Robinson, who is fighting leukaemia, & her Aimee's Army @ C2B finish line, well done @k2bwalk @NWEMlive pic.twitter.com/8Q0A6Q8k5z
— Natalie Chapples (@nchapplesNWEM) May 7, 2016
The Furness community has been inspired to rally together to support the family and raise money to help seriously ill children.
The Evening Mail has again team up with Barrow's Heath's Toymaster to honour courageous and selfless children in our communities.
The Christmas Star winners receive a surprise visit at home from Father Christmas who presents them with beautiful toys courtesy of Heath's in Dalton Road, Barrow. The Evening Mail also hosts a special Christmas gathering with Father Christmas for nominated children.
Nominations for Christmas Stars 2016 are open to children up to 13 years old who are from across Furness, Millom, Ulverston and the south Lakes.
Children can be nominated by filling out the digital form at nwemail.co.uk or by using the coupons printed in the Evening Mail.
This year nominations close on Friday December 16.
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