A BRAVE young volunteer who is battling for her life was named Teenager of the Year at the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards 2017.

Schoolgirl Ellen Houghton has generously dedicated her time to help Warrington Disability Partnership since the age of 12, knowing first-hand how vital the charity’s work is after she spent her childhood caring for her mum when she suffered two broken hips.

That would be enough for any young person to cope with but last April the teenager was dealt a cruel blow when she was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer after falling during a PE lesson.

Since then the Great Sankey High School pupil has endured many operations and last week was undergoing intense course of chemotherapy after having surgery to remove a tumour.

Ellen’s form tutor, Holly Mullen, was emotional as she collected the award on behalf of the schoolgirl she described as a ‘total star’.

She said: “It’s been a privilege to have Ellen in my form for the past five years – she’s an extremely brave and inspirational girl. She never complains and has been so incredibly positive throughout this whole experience. Her smile is infectious.

“I feel hugely honoured to collect this award on Ellen’s behalf. Her class mates will be thrilled for her. They love Ellen and are all really missing her. They’ve been so supportive of her. They organised a surprise 16th birthday party for her last month and made her a video with special messages from about 30 celebrities – she was so thrilled.”

Although she is very poorly, Ellen, from Burtonwood, is determined to continue her studies from her hospital bed and has become one of the first pupils in the UK to send a robot into the classroom, so she can still take part in lessons.

Holly added: “She’s a total star and this award will mean so much to her. She thoroughly deserves it.”

The awards took place last week at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. 

Full coverage inside the Warrington Guardian newspaper.