A baby diagnosed with a rare form of terminal cancer has defied the odds to make a full recovery and celebrate the first birthday her parents never thought they would see.

Iris Proops was only six months old when doctors discovered she was suffering from an aggressive tumour that was expected to kill her.

She was rushed to West Middlesex Hospital in south west London after collapsing with what the family first thought had been a common cold.

Medics decided to transfer her to King's College Hospital, where days later doctors discovered a rhabdoid tumour on the toddler's liver.

The tumours, always found in children, are usually fatal.

Doctors feared there was no hope for Iris and parents Kate and Adam prepared themselves for the worst when she was put on a life support machine.

Mrs Proops, a 31-year-old teacher from Isleworth in south west London, said: "It was devastating. You cannot imagine what that is like to hear your child could die. No one thinks their baby is going to have cancer."

But surgeons removed the tumour and three quarters of Iris's liver in a last-ditch attempt to save her life.

Slowly she began to make a recovery that the family said had surprised her medical team.

Iris celebrated her first birthday last week and is midway through a 30-week course of chemotherapy prescribed to eradicate any lingering cancer cells.

So far, all of the scans taken during the course at Great Ormond Street children's hospital have shown the cancer has not returned.

But the family will spend years worrying about a relapse that could happen at any time.

"Her birthday was very emotional," Mrs Proops added. "I felt very lucky looking at all the cards that people had sent because at one point we did not think we would make it to that day.

"I will be like that for every one of her birthdays until she is older and we know it is not coming back."

Although she is making good progress Iris, whose hair fell out after the first bout of chemotherapy, cannot play with other children when her immune system is weakened by the powerful drugs.

Now her bravery and resilience have earned her an award from Cancer Research UK.

She was chosen to receive a trophy from the charity after being nominated by her grandmother, Anita Davies.

She said: "She has a huge zest for life and even when not feeling well tries her hardest to get on with being a normal baby and always manages to charm everyone.

"Despite her very young age, Iris has coped with some very traumatic experiences but she still gives you a great big smile and a giggle."

• 

  The first date debate: who picks up the bill?

  We ask two young singles where they stand on divvying up for drinks and dinner this Valentine's Day

  ---

• 

  Chris Powell: racist abuse between players was accepted in my day

  Exclusive: After high-profile allegations this season, Charlton's manager is pleased the issue is now being addressed but says the authorities still have plenty of work to do

  ---