A HEROIC pooch who has supported a young girl through her brave battle against cancer has been nominated for a top award. 

Freya Harris and her Australian Shepherd dog, Echo, came together following Freya’s cancer diagnosis with Wilm’s Cancer, a type of kidney cancer which affects children.

Echo has now been nominated for a “hero dog of the year award” by Crufts for the support he offered Freya.

The winner will be announced on the final day of Crufts on March 10 on live tv.

Echo: Crufts - Freya and Echo at Crufts last year Crufts - Freya and Echo at Crufts last year (Image: Gemma Harris)

Mum Gemma Harris, said: “The relationship between the girls happened so naturally, as soon as Echo came home, she bonded immediately with Freya and they've just been inseparable since.

“For Echo to win the award would mean the absolute world to Freya.

“Dogs are often unsung heroes during a battle with cancer, they are so intuitive, empathetic, and supportive to what their owners are going through so for Echo to get the recognition she deserves for all her hard work alongside Freya would be perfection."

Freya and Echo shot to prominence following an incredible performance at Crufts last year, when Freya was still undergoing treatment.

Echo: Heroes - Gemma, Freya and Echo Heroes - Gemma, Freya and Echo (Image: Gemma Harris)

Gemma added: “There were lots of nerves on the day of Crufts, and Freya got emotional before she went in the ring as she was scared she'd let people down, not just her family but the people she was representing, the cancer warriors.

“She had lovely support from the other exhibitors from inside the ring too, she composed herself and Echo moved like a dream for Freya which got them a second-place win."

Their life since then has been more practice in the show rings and Freya won a Pride of Britain award with Echo by her side. 

Gemma said: “Freya's getting stronger which is letting them go on more walks and adventures together and thankfully Freya's scans are still showing no changes in the remaining lumps on her lungs so we're remaining very positive.”

The Hero Dog award public vote ends on Sunday March 10 at 4pm and people can vote at https://crufts.org.uk/whats-on/the-kennel-club-hero-dog-award .