A 10-YEAR-old girl who beat cancer returned to the hospital where she was once a patient to open a new playroom her family helped to build.

Katie Birchall, from Haydock, was just four years old when she was successfully treated for a brain tumour at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

On her return to the specialists unit she was joined by children’s character Peppa Pig to cut the ribbon.

She and her family, parents Andrew, aged 50, and Jeanette, 48, plus her 12 year-old brother, Jack, a pupil at Byrchall High, raised £5,000 towards the playroom at the centre’s radiotherapy waiting area.

The Clatterbridge League of Friends donated more than £50,000 towards the playroom which has indoor and outdoor playing spaces.

Katie’s father, Andrew, said: “Over the last few years our family has been fundraising for the playroom. It’s so satisfying to see this lovely facility which will help the children to relax at what can be an anxious time.

“We know what it feels like for the child and the whole family when there’s a cancer diagnosis.

“Katie is a truly amazing daughter. We can’t thank the staff here enough; she simply would not be here if it wasn’t for their expertise.

“The care she received was brilliant.”

And housewife Jeannette told the Star: “We’re just so grateful for everything and the support from Katie’s school – Legh Vale Primary – has been brilliant.”

Katie’s family are proud of the way she bravely battled through adversity and went on to receive a Young Citizen of the Year award.

She also earned her the Scout of the Year award as a cub with the 26th Blackbrook Scouts and Cubs group.

The colourful playroom at Clatterbridge is a creative, relaxing environment where children can have fun with patients.

Anyone wishing to support The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity can contact 0151 482 7948.