"PEOPLE don't realise how precious life is until something happens like this," says Sean Rowley.

The 23-year-old was in the throes of fatherly duties, changing his baby daughter Libby, when he noticed a lump near her stomach.

Initially it was thought Libby had a blocked bowel. Medication was given to treat it but the lump didn't disappear prompting her concerned parents to pursue it further.

"It was no different and seemed to be getting harder and bigger," says Libby's mum Ellise Diggles.

They took their daughter back to the doctors, initially thinking it could be a cyst or even a hernia but an ultra-sound scan confirmed it was actually a rare form of tumour - a Wilms tumour affecting both her kidneys.

Around 90 children are diagnosed with renal tumours every year in the UK; 90 per cent of those are Wilms' tumour (also known as nephroblastoma).

Wilms' tumour is a type of embryonal tumour developing from the immature cells from which the kidneys develop. Usually it only affects one kidney but, in rare cases, can affect both. It is one of the most common types of childhood cancer, affecting around 80 children a year in the UK.

Similarly to other embryonal tumours, Wilms' tumour predominantly affects children under the age of five; the peak incident being between one and three.

Unilateral tumours occur equally often in boys and girls, but girls are twice as likely to be diagnosed with bilateral tumours.

The most common symptom of a renal tumour is a swelling in the abdomen which is usually painless. Sometimes there may be blood in the child's urine, or their blood pressure may be raised. The child may also have a fever, upset stomach, weight loss or lack of appetite.

"We burst into tears, it was unbelievable," recalls Ellise, when the bombshell diagnosis was delivered in November last year.

"You do not know what to do with yourself. It turned everything upside down."

Says Sean: "I was destroyed. My world was upside down. I didn't know where to turn I was so scared of losing my little girl."

The couple, who met as teenagers, stayed strong for each other and that, according to Sean, is what helped them cope with the devastating situation they found themselves in.

After having further tests, Libby underwent chemotherapy treatment before undergoing a nine and a half operation at Leeds General Infirmary to remove part of each affected kidney.

It is almost a year since Libby underwent the operation and although it was a success, and the family are now looking forward to a much brighter future, Libby is still having regular check-ups. "She still has some cells that they have to keep an eye on," says Ellise.

It is believed Libby may have had the tumour from birth but because it is slow-growing it was only picked up nearly a year later.

Since having her treatment the family have had to protect Libby from infections but, gradually, life is getting back to normal and Libby is now settling back in at nursery.

"She never lets anything stop her and she is always happy and smiley. She loves dancing and singing."

The arrival of 16-week-old Narla, a beautiful Labrador puppy, has certainly brought a smile to the little girl's face.

"Libby is obsessed with animals so when she got the all clear we got Narla," says Ellise.

"She is absolutely beautiful."

Throughout their experience, the family have been overwhelmed with support. Sean's colleagues at Everybodys in their home village of Guiseley held a Bank Holiday fundraising event at the pub.

The family-themed event included children's entertainment, live music along with a charity raffle. A limited edition 'Libby Ale' was also produced especially for the event.

"They thought it would be really nice to do something for us and they did a fundraising event with face painting and a magician," says Ellise.

She says they are hoping to put the money towards purchasing a Wendy House for Libby along with other play equipment for the garden, and a well deserved break.

"We cannot thank them enough for helping us and doing nice things for Libby," says Ellise.

Sean also expressed his appreciation to his colleagues. "We are really grateful to all the team and generous guests offering to help us make our home much more enjoyable for Libby. We are just so thankful for the wonderful community.

"We cannot thank them enough."

A spokesman at Everybodys, said: "Sean, Ellise and Libby are a wonderful young family who have been through more than most can ever imagine.

"We wanted to show them some love and support through an incredibly tough time and just make things that bit easier.

"What started as a little idea of a bit of a collection by our owner, Adam, has turned into a wonderful show of the caring community in Guiseley. People have donated prizes, services and money to help make a little girl really happy.

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests and the support they have shown! We are aiming to get Libby's new play house up and fully kitted out shortly."

In addition to the family fundraising event, supervisor, Holly Roberts, and Ali Allawa from the team at Everybodys completed the Three Peaks Challenge three-legged on August 27.

Says Holly: "As a mother two children around Libby's age I can't begin to imagine how difficult it must be for Sean and Elise watching their daughter go through chemotherapy.

"To help the family in any way possible was an obvious choice, the three peak challenge and fundraising events will help provide the family with a more a enjoyable garden to spend precious moments together.

"I couldn't be prouder to work for an organisation that fully supported Libby's cause."

Now the family are looking forward to a more positive future.

Says Sean: "We wouldn't change her for the world but if I had a choice it would have been me with the cancer. We just had to support her and be there for her. We just wanted her to get through and she has."

For information or support visit childrenwithcancer.org.uk