A LITTLE girl who has battled cancer was taken on a special surprise trip to Lapland to meet Father Christmas.

Heart radio surprised Jessica Dovey, aged 5, from Worcester with the heart-warming news that she had been chosen for the treat.

Jessica and her mum Becky were nominated for the trip by best friend Amanda James, who helped the family when Jessica was diagnosed with Wilms, a rare form of kidney cancer when she was just three.

Following the diagnosis, Jessica endured 38 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation.

She spent last Christmas in and out of Birmingham Children’s Hospital and has permanent tubes which she calls her ‘wiggles.’

Amanda who met Becky when they attended the same baby group sent a message to Heart that read: “It has been an ordeal I cannot fathom as an adult let alone a beautiful little girl.”

Jessica is now in remission and started school in September.

Mrs James' message continued: “It was just in time for her hair to start growing back which she was thrilled about.

"She is now embracing school and life and it is this renewed hope that has urged me to write. Jessica deserves a little bit of magic as she has not seen how beautiful the world can truly be.”

Jessica was one of five children that Heart took on a trip to Lapland thanks to Pertemps Network Group.

They experienced husky dog rides, rode snowmobiles, had lots of snowball fights and met Santa Claus himself.

Mrs Dovey, 38 said: “The trip was absolutely incredible, it was out of this world and is something we will treasure forever. To see Jessica so happy and smiling was heart-warming.

"We were so shocked to get the call from Heart as we didn’t know about the competition - I cycle to work so don’t listen to a radio!

"We feel so emotional and grateful to Amanda for taking the time and thinking of Jessica and nominating her. We are so lucky to have such a good friend.

Mrs Dovey told The Worcester News: “The trip means the world to us, seeing Jessica interact with other children and see how amazing the world is was truly memorable.

"She is such an amazing little girl and totally deserves the happiness and the experience. She met Santa and gave him a big hug.”

Jessica was taken on the trip by Heart Breakfast’s Ed and Gemma.