AN inspirational Okehampton teenager who has survived cancer and raised thousands of pounds for charity has been presented with a rare Guiding award to celebrate her bravery.

Bea Holman-Brooks, aged 15, went through a gruelling 28-month battle after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in January 2009, aged just 11.

During this spell she went through chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, blood transfusions, and took a series of medicines.

She is now in full remission. Bea missed three years of secondary school as a result of her illness, but she is still on track to finish her GCSE exams and complete Year 11 this year with her classmates.

Her long-term aim is to become a nurse in paediatric oncology, having been inspired by her own experiences.

As well as fighting her disease with great bravery and resolve, Bea has endeavoured to raise awareness of her condition — and funds for the ongoing fight to find a cure for cancer.

To date she has raised a magnificent £57,000 for cancer charity CLIC Sargent through her 'Especially for You' fund.

To celebrate her courage and fortitude, Bea was presented with the Star of Merit at Meldon Reservoir on Saturday.

The award may be given to any member of Girlguiding UK aged between five and 26 who has displayed great courage or fortitude, but is rarely awarded.

Bea said: 'It is hard to put into words really, it didn't sink in how big it was until people were turning up, around 100.

'It is quite surreal. My fundraising was just my way of putting a good spin on a bad thing, really.

'When I was having my treatment, Guides was the two hours a week where I could get back to normal, people would treat me the same, offer me the same opportunities and I could forget my illness.

'I'd get home from the hospital on Thursdays and Guides would give me my freedom.'

Bea's mother Helen Holman said: 'We are so proud of her, it was brilliant to see her get this award.

'She is always smiling and doing things for other people and we are all so proud of her.

'Her fundraising started when she was diagnosed. We set up her Especially for You page, and it has just grown and grown to where it is now.

'When Bea was being cared for during her treatment, she wanted to give something back. That's how she is.'

Her main fundraiser has been an annual golf day at Okehampton Golf Club, attracting players from across the area to take part.

Bea's brother Tom is also doing his bit to help raise funds by running the London Marathon later this year.

Last year Bea travelled to London to help launch a national appeal by NHS Blood and Transport for blood donors to boost stocks by 30%, before the busy summer of the London Olympic Games and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

During that time she played her own part in making Olympic history by being one of 8,000 inspiring people across Great Britain chosen to be torchbearer for the Olympic torch relay.

She continues to promote the National Blood Service.

She was nominated for the award by Brenda Clarke of the Trefoil Guild, an organisation where adults can stay involved with Guiding.

Brenda met Bea at a function where Bea gave a speech about blood donation. Once Brenda realised she was a Guide, she nominated Bea forward for the award.

Nikki Furness, 1st Okehampton Guides and Rangers leader said: 'Bea has inspired an awful lot of people.

'Throughout her years of treatment she smiled all the way through it, being tremendously positive.

'She really is an amazing young lady.

'Her fundraising efforts are astonishing in themselves, but to think she was doing that during her treatment, it really is inspirational and incredible.

'She is the first person I know of to be given this award, and she is incredibly deserving.'

To find out more about Bea's 'Especially for You' fund and how you can support her amazing efforts, visit http://www.bmycharity.com/beabrooksfund">www.bmycharity.com/beabrooksfund