A YOUNG fundraising champion from Barrow – inspired by his friend who is fighting cancer – is up for the Christmas Star award.

When Kian Woodburn found out that his good friend Aimee Robinson, 11, had been diagnosed with leukaemia in January he supported her and quickly got to work raising money to help children battling serious illnesses.

With the help from others, Kian has raised more than £3,500 for the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group and Ward 84 of Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

The 10-year-old rallied a team of family, friends and members of the St James CE Junior School community together to take on the 23-mile Coniston to Barrow walk in May. The Aimee's Army team completed the challenge in aid of the Children's Cancer and Leukemia Group.

Kian also took on a 21-mile bike ride with his dad to raise more funds and to mark the last day in one of Aimee’s rounds of chemotherapy. With his mum he also organised a Halloween fundraising party.

Kian recently visited Aimee at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital with a collection of 101 toys and presents for the children on the ward.

Kian's mum, Gemma Woodburn said: "We are extremely proud of Kian. He is just your typical 10-year-old boy but the way he has supported and helped Aimee through her treatment and all the money he has raised for different charities just shows how thoughtful and selfless he is."

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 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.