Little Stella Rogers looks the picture of health and happiness as she celebrates her fourth birthday.

But it is an anniversary her parents thought she would never reach.

Because last year she has battled through a gruelling course of treatment for a rare form of cancer.

Her parents Allison Hyde and John Rogers had to launch a £250,000 appeal to send her to America for the life-saving antibody treatment.

After six months in a hospital in Philadelphia, Stella returned to her home in Glen Iris Close, Canterbury a different child.

Her progress has continued all year and last Tuesday, Stella was well enough to celebrate her birthday with her sister Zoe, six, and their friends at Faversham Gym Club adventure play area.

Mum Allison said: "It was a lovely day. For the first time Stella could use all the equipment there without anyone helping her because she is strong enough to do this now.

"It was lovely to see her enjoying herself and doing the things most four-year-olds do. Stella loves animals and she had a hedgehog birthday cake to cut. We never expected her to reach this birthday."

Stella’s father said his daughter’s personality was really coming out now she was so much better.

"She tries to be funny all the time and is very close to her sister," he said. "She can be a little trouble-maker but that is good to see. She is doing so well and enjoying pre-school."

Stella is still in remission and has scans every four months which so far have been clear.