Award for one very brave little girl

The Mangonui Lions Club didn't have to go far to find a worthy recipient of a Lions Children of Courage award for bravery.

Doubtless Bay youngster Skyla Hoult, who will celebrate her eighth birthday in August, received the award at a dinner at the Mangonui fire station last week, with guests including her parents and paternal grandparents, little sister Chelsea, Mayor John Carter and Lions zone chairman Toia Baker.

The Children of Courage Award is a new initiative by Lions in New Zealand, aimed at recognising the courage and determination of some younger members of clubs' communities, project co-ordinator Ken Green saying Skyla fitted the bill perfectly.

She had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer before she was born, her treatment beginning when she was just three days old with surgery to remove a tumour, followed by chemotherapy. It was a long, difficult process, including related complications that Skyla and her family had had to face, but they had done so with courage and determination, and strong support from friends, family and the community.

Skyla's mother Susan said her daughter was doing wonderfully well.

"She's a healthy, happy, fantastic little girl," she said.

"She'll be 8 in August; it's gone so fast, but she's a perfect child. We really could not have asked for better."

Mangonui School principal Dave Sedcole confirmed that Skyla was soaring. She was a high achiever and a kind, caring person, he said.

Mr Green added that the Mangonui Lions Club recognised Skyla as a child who, despite a sometimes unclear future, had shown maturity and intuitiveness beyond her years. Keen on sports and the outdoors, she was a child who brought pleasure to everyone she met.

"The club was honoured to present the award to Skyla, one very brave little girl," he added.

And what does she want to do with her life?

According to Susan she's tossing up between being a singer and owning a jewellery store, but at 7 she still had time to consider other possibilities.