A SCHOOLGIRL who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15 is determined to help children at the hospital where she was treated.

Ellen Houghton, from Burtonwood, wants to raise funds to buy toys for youngsters at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to help brighten up their Christmas.

The 17-year-old said: “This is something that is very important to me and my family.

“After my experience of Christmas on the oncology ward I know what it's like to spend Christmas in hospital and not at home.

“Christmas in hospital is not very exciting, but Alder Hey try to make it as special as possible for the poorly children who can’t come home during the festive period.”

The former Great Sankey High School pupil was diagnosed with bone cancer while still at school after struggling with a knee problem.

At first it was believed the pain in her knee was caused by a tweaked cartilage and the then 15-year-old started a course of painkillers.

But as the pain mounted, Ellen and her mum requested an MRI scan.

Three weeks after the scan, the family were told the heart-breaking news that Ellen had osteosarcoma in her knee – a rare type of bone cancer.

Following a difficult 18 months, Ellen was finally able to ring the bell at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool to mark the end of her cancer treatment three months ago.

Now she is determined to help others who are facing a Christmas in hospital.

She said: “”The money will either be put on several gift cards to give to the oncology play specialists or we will buy the toys and take them in and give them to the children.

“If it would be easier to buy a toy to give to a child then that would also be very much appreciated. Every little bit helps us make their Christmas a bit better even if everybody just donated £1 that would help us reach our goal. Thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts.”

To donate visit gofundme.com/qaeef-toys-for-children-with-cancer.