The family of a little girl who has battled leukaemia has raised more than £20,000 to help create a new garden area at Stevenage's Lister Hospital, where she was treated.

Elianna Ferguson was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2021, after complaining of bone pain and developing swelling around her eyes.

She has since had two years of treatment, including chemotherapy, transfusions, a lumbar puncture and steroids.

Elianna's parents, Francesca and Anthony, who own Renegade Fitness Academy in Stevenage, have been keen to fundraise to say thank you to the Bluebell Ward for the care Elianna received during her treatment.

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They came up with the idea of raising funds to create a new garden area at the hospital for children and families having similar treatment.

The Ferguson family and friends, with the help of local businesses, have now raised £20,975.25 and presented a cheque to the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, which supports Lister.

Francesca said: "We spend a lot of time on the ward and in the isolation rooms, and during this time you can't help but think how things can be improved for the kids and families.

"The Bluebell Ward team are just fantastic, and the nurses and play specialists just make your journey that bit easier, but we wanted to try and improve the facilities to make it more comfortable.

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"There is one room on the ward that has a door outside and small garden. Immunocompromised children can't use the shared outside garden space, so we decided to use the funds to create an additional garden. Having fresh air and an opportunity to play outside really helps with recovery and comfort when you are staying for a long period.

"During a horrible, scary time for us as a family, I really enjoyed putting my energy into something positive and helping raise these funds to make this garden room project come together.

"It wouldn't have been possible without the amazing support from friends and family who have put on family fun days, walks around the lakes, a Christmas market, sponsored challenges and mountain climbs, as well as support from businesses like McLaren for giving us that generous final boost of money to be able to complete the project."