Courageous Mauchline youngster, Ava Bolton, is to be the focus of a special STV programme this week.

The four-year-old is bravely living with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma.

A year on from mum Natalie and dad Scott beginning their journey to get Ava specialist for her condition, Ava will feature on an episode of STV programme, Scotland Tonight on Thursday evening at 8.30pm.

READ MORE: Mauchline parents' plea after Ava's heartbreaking cancer news

More than £300,000 has been raised to get Ava to America for specialist treatment for her condition, and to help the Boltons throughout Ava's treatment.

Her family set up a fund to raise the money in April 2023, and the target was smashed by October.

Ava's current treatment is estimated to finish this summer.

Cumnock Chronicle: Young Ava Bolton.Young Ava Bolton. (Image: Help Our Ava)

After that, the youngster will again go through her final tests to confirm she is in complete remission at which point they have a short window of around 45 days to get to MSK in New York and get Ava's first vaccination.

STV's cameras have been following Ava in her home and at her beloved nursery, Craighead Country Nursery.

READ MORE: Dad's overwhelming thanks to those supporting daughter's cancer battle

Speaking about the upcoming television appearance, parents, Scott and Natalie said: "I would like to begin by thanking all of you for your continued support. It is very much appreciated.

"Ava is doing well and is starting round 4 of immunotherapy next week and hopefully finishing treatment mid-June when we can then hopefully be getting plans in place for New York.

"Earlier in the year, we were contacted by STV, who over the past few weeks have been filming with us at home and at Ava's nursey, Craighead Country Nursery.

"The segment will air this Thursday (18th of April) on STV at 20:30.

"For us, it was very difficult to record this interview. Going back to the beginning of Ava's diagnosis was quite emotional. We hope we have portrayed our and Ava's journey in the best way possible."