THE proud mum of a courageous teenager with terminal cancer has spoken out about her daughter’s strength as she refuses to let the devastating disease dictate her life.

Mum of three Lee-anne Ingle from Appleton, whose daughter Molly Beechall is battling secondary bone disease, has revealed how her ‘little girl’ will not let the cancer rule her life and stop her from making precious memories with her loved ones.

Earlier this year, the then 18-year-old was diagnosed with throat cancer but, despite undergoing gruelling treatment to fight the disease, in October the 19-year-old was informed of the heartbreaking news that the cancer had spread to her bones and that there is no known cure.

Lee-anne, aged 39, said: "It's been difficult. Molly actually self-diagnosed herself after being turned away from the doctors many times with them putting it down to tonsillitis because she was only 18.

"It's all happened so quickly and now we all want to focus on making happy memories together."

Despite the inevitable toll of the last 12 months, the former Warrington Collegiate student was determined to graduate from the college after studying a HNC in health and social care.

She was later praised for her 'exceptional commitment and dedication throughout her studies' and was announced as the winner of the inspirational student of the year award in October.

But now it is the outpouring of love and support from friends, family and complete strangers that has made the unbearable bearable and given the unstoppable Molly the boost to keep going.

Lee-anne added: "We have just been overwhelmed by the people of Warrington coming together at such a difficult time to show their care and consideration and support for our family.

"This is why the charity Molly's Memories has been set up as so many people have reached out and wanted to help."

Molly’s Memories is about raising money for the family to create those all-important memories while she is still well enough with her 18-month-old daughter Lola-Sue and her loved ones.

From a group of friends putting their best foot forward while taking part in the Three Peaks challenge next year to fundraisers being organised across the town, Lee-anne cannot thank everyone enough for offering a helping hand as they come to terms with the diagnosis.

But for now the family have vowed to make this Christmas one to remember.

To find out more about Molly's Memories call Amanda Smith on 07725722435.