A WOMAN suffering from cancer is in hospital in Bolton for emergency treatment despite being told she holds the wrong passport.

Halyna Zarvanska suffered a serious relapse while on holiday visiting relatives in Tonge Moor.

She was first told the NHS would not treat her because her home country of the Ukraine does not have a health agreement with the UK.

But the 31-year-old was so ill that an ambulance had to be called to take her to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Her parents-in-law, who are pensioners, are now likely to have to foot a bill which could run to thousands of pounds.

Family friend Diana Andrusjak, who has been helping Mrs Zarvanska, said: "She was dying. There was no choice but to take her to hospital. She is a lot better now. She is having tests on a lump in her side which we are just praying does not turn out to be anything harmful."

Mrs Zarvanska has had a litre of fluid taken from her lungs and is on a saline drip at hospital.

Her daughter, Victoria, aged nine, is being looked after by grandparents Emilia and Paul Stec at their home in Glaisdale Close.

The family have been overwhelmed by the generosity of BEN readers who have come forward with donations of cash for Halyna after reading about her plight.

One couple gave £200 but only identified themselves as Agnes and Nick -- "long-staying Ukranians in this country".

The couple also gave a £10 gift for Victoria.

A collection was taken at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bolton, which has so far raised £220.

More than £500 has now been collected to go towards medical bills.

Mrs Andrusjak said: "Halyna knows that people are supporting her and it has given her an enormous boost.

"The whole family is very grateful for everyone's help and good wishes.

"They also thank the BEN for bringing it to people's attention. It's been fantastic."

Mrs Zarvanska has been suffering from Hodgkins Disease for eight years. She came to Bolton on holiday to convalesce from her illness. But shortly after arriving, her condition dramatically deteriorated