A TEENAGER has surprised her fellow pupils by returning to school despite battling cancer.

Amanda Gifford, aged 16, could not wait to return to Rumworth School to see her pals after her latest bout of illness, despite still feeling very weak.

The teenager is so keen to join her friends on a school trip to Camelot theme park that doctors at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital have agreed to postpone her next dose of chemotherapy.

As reported in the Bolton Evening News, Amanda, from Halliwell, recently visited her large family in Dublin and had the chance to enjoy afternoon tea with the Irish president.

She was first diagnosed with cancer after arriving home from school complaining of a sore leg two years ago.

Amanda had her leg amputated and was given only a 20 per cent chance of survival, but continued to fight the illness and was able to return to school.

However, after eight months of good health a tumour was discovered on her lung which had to be removed in a life-threatening operation.

Even though Amanda made a good recovery from the surgery, she faced another battle 14 weeks ago when doctors informed her a new tumour had appeared on her lungs.

Her courage has been recognised at school where she was given a special award for endeavour.

Amanda said: "I feel great. I'm glad to be back in school with my mates and I am looking forward to going to Camelot."

Her mother, Bernadette, said: "I couldn't believe Amanda wanted to go back when she's been so ill, but that's the way she is.

"She absolutely loves school and nothing will stop her."

Julia Mason, head of sixth form at the special school, said: "We're glad to see that Amanda is back with us. We're always amazed by her determination."

COUNT ME IN: School trophy holder Amanda Gifford celebrates her special award for endeavour with school friends, from left: Craig Coop, Chris Cronnolley, John Wagstaff and Michelle Spencer

Picture: SEAN WILTON