YOUNG Melissa Adams was crowned Haydock Park Child of Courage.

Her proud mum Kathy said she was surprised and overwhelmed by the accolade and said she hoped it would help give her 11-year-old daughter “a voice”.

Melissa, from Eccleston, suffers from Angelman Syndrome. It is a rare condition which has left her with a number of disabilities.

She inspired the creation of the Melissa Adams Foundation which aims to fund research into the condition. Kathy is a director and chair of the organisation. Melissa’s father Stephen and older brother Jacob also play their part as trustee and young ambassador.

She explained: “They have come up with a possible cure but the only thing that stands in the way is money.

Kathy told the Star: “This is a huge surprise and we are all so proud of her. This will be such a boost to help. So little is known about the condition.

“Now if people come up to me and ask about Melissa I can explain more about Angelman Syndrome. This is not a disease and sometimes each day can be a battle.

“But I am so proud of my little girl and her beautiful smile.”

Garry Fortune from sponsor Haydock Park: “We are so delighted. because This was an award that means a lot to us.”