A COURAGEOUS Guide who has battled against a brain tumour has won a rare accolade.

Tyler Manley has received the movement's Guiding Star Award, for showing outstanding courage and determination.

The 11-year-old began suffering from severe headaches and sickness in August 2013.

Following an eye examination she was immediately referred to Bradford Royal Infirmary for further tests.

Scans revealed a mass on Tyler's brain and, after 13 hours of surgery, doctors said they believed the tumour may be malignant.

She was diagnosed with medulloblastoma.

Tyler then went through more operations and had twice-daily radiotherapy and intense rehabilitation, followed by chemotherapy.

The surgery has affected her eyes – leaving her with limited peripheral vision – and she has facial palsy and a weakness down her left-hand side.

But despite all she has been through, the plucky youngster, who lives at Cross Hills, near Keighley, has continued to take part in Brownie activities and is now a member of 1st Cross Hills Guides.

A spokesman for Girlguiding North Yorkshire West said: "Tyler became a Brownie aged seven and was always a committed and outgoing member of the pack.

"Due to her treatment she lost not just her hair, but the ability to walk and talk and many other functions. Yet she never gave-up Brownies and as soon as she was old enough, joined the Guides.

"She has attended every activity with the Guides wherever possible and came to the county camp and a fun Wellies and Wristbands activity camp.

"Tyler has always thrown herself into all activities, despite her disabilities.

"All her friends in Brownies and Guides and everyone who has met Tyler has been inspired by her commitment to Guiding and her determination to join in everything.

"The Guiding Star is rarely awarded and is for showing exceptional bravery in saving a life or coping with exceptional circumstances such as serious illness."

Tyler was presented with the award by Leeds leader and former county commissioner, Gillian Ainsley.

She said: "Tyler is an outstanding young lady and an asset to her Guide unit.

"She is very determined and doesn't let any difficulty stop her enjoying a full and exciting Guide programme with her friends.

"She's a great example of how Girlguiding is for all girls and that girls can do anything."

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