Brave teen’s charity birthday bash raises thousands for ward

A BRAVE teen has raised more than £ 5,000 for the hospital that supported her throughout her leukaemia battle.

Charlotte Jennings from Gatley returned to Ward 84 - the children’s cancer unit at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH) - to hand over a cheque for £ 5421.79.

The big hearted youngster raised the sum by holding a special 13th birthday bash at the Hallmark Hotel in Handforth, attended by 160 wellwishers.

But instead of asking for birthday presents like any other teenage girl, Charlotte asked for donations the RMCH Charity .

And she also auctioned off special items including a football signed by the Manchester United squads and a signed photograph of boy band One Direction.

Kingsway School pupil Charlotte, who received a bone marrow transplant last July, said she was thrilled to have raised such an impressive amount for RMCH.

She said: “I was really proud to hand over a cheque from my fundraising

“I want to thank everyone who has helped me in some way.

“I always say I want to be known for my fundraising, not as the girl with cancer.

“Planning my party was so much fun and I can’t wait to start my next fundraising.”

RMCH community fundraising manager, Angela Rowe, says Charlotte’s generosity and energy continues to inspire everyone at the hospital.

She said: “Charlotte is such a remarkable young lady and she never fails to amaze the team with her enthusiasm and positivity.

“She is a true inspiration to us all. The party was such a special evening for her.

“Asking for donations instead of presents really does show what a kind-hearted and selfless person she is.”

Charlotte was determined to improve facilities at the hospital after being forced to spend two months in isolation last year when chemotherapy treatment effectively ‘ wiped out’ her immune system

Her room only had a small television set, which was pay-per-view after 7pm, and no wi- fi connection, leaving her cut off from pals and social media.

Funds raised from Charlotte’s party have gone towards the enhancement of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit (BMTU) at the hospital.

Charlotte Jennings presents the cheque to RMCH community fundraising manager, Angela Rowe, at the hospital’s bone marrow transplant unit