The sister and brother of brave teenager Sophie Watson have pledged to continue her fundraising for Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, after she lost her fight against cancer, writes Victoria Owen.

Alice, 15, and 11-year-old Harry will try to raise another 20,000 to refurbish the play room at ward 4B - Sophie's last aim before she died.

She had tirelessly raised 90,000 for the paediatric cancer and cardiac ward during her four-year battle against the disease.

The 18-year-old former Burford School pupil was told she had cancer in her right knee in 1996 and it soon progressed to her left lung.

Despite painful treatment, including surgery to remove the diseased knee and lung and intensive chemotherapy, she was constantly raising money for 4B.

She even set up her own charity, Sophie's Campaign for Children's Wards for Interesting Things to Do (SCCWID).

Her efforts helped buy computers, games, videos and arts and crafts for youngsters to enjoy during their often stressful time in hospital. In a letter she wrote asking for money she explained: "My aim is to make children's stay in hospital less traumatic and as comfortable as possible."

Her mother, Selina, who lives near Cheltenham, said: "The great thing about Sophie was that she was very kind and thoughtful.

"No-one ever said anything bad about her.

"Her death was a terrible, terrible time, but we have had such support from her friends and 600 people came to her funeral.

"Although she had five major operations, she never let it worry her and she was always thinking about the next party or how she was going to raise more money. She always bounced back and never complained."

Mrs Watson said the 4B playroom was very boring and Sophie, who had been completing her A-levels at Stowe School, Buckingham, had plans to brighten it up.

She explained: "It isn't very child friendly with grey cupboards and no money to do it up.

"Sophie wanted to give it a bit of a lift with new furniture, carpets and toys, making it cosier, jollier and more friendly." Alice and Harry are now getting ready for two fundraising projects to get the ball rolling and staff on 4B are touched by their support.

Ward 4B play specialist Christine Turner said: "Sophie was very thoughtful and caring and that was reflected in her fundraising. We are very grateful for what she did for us and to her family for wanting to continue with her efforts."

"The play area hasn't been done up for ten to 15 years. It's shared between a few wards and lots of different age ranges so we need it to look good for them."

To start the new appeal there will be a sponsored bike ride around Castlett, near Guiting Power, in Gloucestershire, on Easter Saturday, followed by a sponsored walk across the Ridgeway, at Avebury, Wiltshire, on Sunday, April 30.

For details of the bike ride call Rose Shepherd-Cross on 01451 850335, and Mrs Watson on 01451 831571 for the walk.

Story date: Tuesday 11 April

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.