LITTLE Tansy Greer considers the nurses who treat her as her best friends. Tansy, who will be five next month, was diagnosed with leukaemia aged just two years old. Since then she has had a number of operations at Great Ormond Street Hospital with more t

LITTLE Tansy Greer considers the nurses who treat her as her best friends.

Tansy, who will be five next month, was diagnosed with leukaemia aged just two years old.

Since then she has had a number of operations at Great Ormond Street Hospital with more treatment to follow.

Now the playgroup Tansy visits, Tumble Tots in Stevenage, is helping to raise more than £60,000 as part of a national campaign for the hospital's children's charity.

The nationwide physical play programme for children has chosen Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity (GOSHCC) as its charity of the year.

It hopes to raise the cash to fund a children's playroom and contribute to its redevelopment programme, as part of its commitment to building a healthier future for the nation's children.

Tansy's mum Michelle said: "The work the hospital does is quite remarkable.

"The staff are all so experienced at dealing with children and the environment is geared to making the children feel happy.

"There are many small things that make a difference, from the food, the wards, entertainment and play areas.

"Tansy actually looks forward to her hospital visits. In fact, she regards many of the nurses she meets, both at GOSH and the Lister Hospital, as some of her best friends. She even invited them to her birthday party last year."

Phyllis Davies from the Stevenage Tumble Tots said: "For us the choice of charity is particularly apt because of Tansy.

"GOSH is a profoundly important asset to children all over the country, providing the most specialist services for children under one roof in the UK and treating those with the most complex, rare and often life threatening problems."

So far the Stevenage group has held a sponsored Tumble Tots Rollover4GOSH event - the money is still being collected.

For more information on Tumble Tots call 01438 353881.