A girl who is battling leukaemia was among important guests at a reception at the House of Lords.

Katie Oates, who lives in Mill Hill, was diagnosed with the cancer in 2009, and has been undergoing intensive treatment ever since.

The seven-year-old and other members of her family were among guests at an event to mark 25 years since children’s charity Children with Cancer UK was founded.

The reception, hosted by Baroness Thornton of Manningham, was also attended by the scientists who had worked to combat childhood cancer, MPs including John Baron MP, chairmanr of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer and the charity’s chairman Eddie O’Gorman, who established it in memory of his son Paul.

Katie's mother was made an Olympic torch bearer in 2012 after having raised £65,000 for the cancer charity by running the London Marathon with “Team Katie” every year since her daughter was diagnosed.

She said: “We’ve watched our little girl go through chemotherapy, loss of hair and prolonged spells in hospital, but she is the bravest little girl I know and I am so proud to be her mum and see her courage.”

Speaking after the reception she added: “It was a wonderful opportunity to hear how far research has come and also to meet the scientists working to discover the causes of cancer and develop better treatments.

“For this dedication we are extremely grateful.”

As well as funding research into combating childhood cancer, the charity also raises money for welfare projects including hospice care and increases awareness of childhood cancer.

General manager Pippa Gough said: “We were delighted that Team Katie could join us on this special occasion. 

“Katie is living proof of the importance of scientific research and we will continue our fight against all childhood cancers until every young life can be saved.”