A BRAVE nine-year-old, who is battling cancer, has been recognised for her fundraising efforts for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Ava-Grace Bancroft and her grandfather Stephen Power, also a fundraiser, have been presented with Citizen’s Awards by Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish.
She is an incredibly brave and selfless girl who was diagnosed with leukaemia three years ago at the age of six.
Ava-Grace has faced really difficult times but was able to ring the bell in 2020 to signify the end of her chemotherapy, although she still has a long journey ahead to ring the bell to signify the all clear from cancer.
She has made it her goal to raise money, with the help of her granddad, to give back to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Ward 84, who have helped and supported her so much.
Ava-Grace and her granddad set up a Facebook page, where people can donate prizes and help money for children on Ward 84.
Since the page started, Ava-Grace has been able to supply lots of pyjamas, crafts and stationery to those on the ward, and helped make their stay as pleasant as possible.
Most recently, Ava-Grace donated two Nintendo Switches with games for the teenagers on the ward as she did not want anyone overlooked, no matter how old or young.
Stephen spends a great deal of time helping Ava-Grace and her brother Nate and organises auctions and bonus ball raffles to generate as much money as he can for the cause.
He has also helped renovate Ava’s family home and looks after Nate when Ava-Grace has to spend time in hospital.
Ava-Grace also presented £200 to Cllr George Newton’s Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Mr Gwynne, who was accompanied by Cllr Newton and Cllr Claire Reid, said: “The Citizens’ Awards were started to celebrate and thank those in the local community who go above and beyond.
“I cannot think of more deserving recipients than Ava-Grace and her granddad, who have done so much to support those in Ward 84.
“They are real community heroes and should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.
• Details about Ava-Grace’s fundraising can be found online at www.facebook.com/groups/447084595795654