A YOUNGSTER diagnosed with a rare form of cancer has had a successful operation to remove 95 per cent of a tumour from her spine.

For little Ella Stringer, five, the future is looking brighter after an operation and regular sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy has seen her tumours reduce in size.

Ella’s stepdad Tony Waller said: “Ella had an operation approximately three weeks ago to remove the tumour on her spine. Doctors say they managed to get 95 per cent of it out and they are now using radiotherapy to get the other five percent.

“Ella was straight back on her feet almost straight away, nothing seems to phase her.

“She has also been having chemotherapy on her lungs, after doctors found a large tumour in one lung and three golf ball size tumours in the other. We have been told the golf ball size tumours have now disappeared and the large tumour is smaller and responding to treatment.

“For now the future seems more hopeful.”

The Haslingden, Broadway CP School pupil was diagnosed with rhabdoid sarcoma after her mum Emily discovered a lump on her back just after Christmas.

Ella’s family, including her mum Emily, 22, and her partner Tony, of Rosewood Avenue, Haslingden raised £24,000 to send her for treatment in America.

But now this is not an option, the family have decided they will take Ella to Disney Land in Florida, with her two-year-old sister Evie when she is hopefully given the all clear and then donate the rest of the cash to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, where she is being treated.

Electrician Tony said: “The whole community has been brilliant. It means a lot to know everybody in Haslingden and Rossendale are rooting for us.

“Ella is great in herself, she is very brave. She is living in hospital during the week at the moment but she even goes to school when she can.”