Teenagers rally round for Olivia

Teenager Andrew Knott was determined to do something special when his little sister Olivia was diagnosed with leukemia.

He and his friend Tom Walker completed a 100-mile bike ride to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital, where she is being treated.

Today Olivia's family spoke of their pride at her bravery and Andrew's determination – and said they are looking forward to Christmas and the New Year with optimism.

Little Olivia was diagnosed with leukemia back in May and is now facing two years of hospital visits, chemotherapy and medicine. But her loving family are determined not to be beaten by the two-year-old's disease.

Olivia's mum and dad Cathy and Alan Lancefield, of Pool House Road, Wombourne, said their lives had been turned upside down but they were proud of how their entire family had pulled together.

Andrew, aged 14, and Tom braved freezing temperatures and punctures on the two-day journey from Wombourne to Aberystwyth. But the ride, which raised £600, was great fun and a source of inspiration for the family as they face the future. Cathy, 43, said: "We found out about Olivia's illness on May 22. I'll never forget that day.

"I took Olivia to the doctors because she had these little bruises and we were transferred to Russells Hall Hospital. We had to stay overnight and got a call at 3am saying it was leukemia. I don't think I stopped crying for the first three months but we're getting back on track now.

We bought a caravan in Aberystwyth, because Olivia can't go abroad, and we all pop up there for little breaks. I couldn't be prouder of the two boys. Andrew loves Olivia to bits and really looks after her. He really is an angel with her."

Olivia will start four weeks of intensive chemotherapy treatment in January.

Mrs Lancefield said: "Despite everything she's been through she is such a happy child, a real giggler. In many ways she copes better than the rest of us.

"Obviously it has been a very difficult time and I can understand how other families sometimes crumble. But we are very close-knit and have all supported each other, like Andrew with his bike ride. My eldest son Michael's girlfriend also raised £100 for the hospital through her work."

Money from Andrew and 15-year-old Tom's bike ride will go to leukemia research at Birmingham Children's Hospital, where Olivia is treated, and some to Water Aid.

Andrew, an Ounsdale High School pupil, said: "When I found out about Olivia I knew I had to do something to help. The ride was a real challenge but we had a good laugh and just want to thank everyone who donated." The pair set off on their bikes on Saturday and rode into the seaside town the next day at mid-afternoon, covering 105 miles.

Andrew's stepdad Alan, aged 62, accompanied the boys by car, driving no more than two miles ahead, armed with a spare bike and puncture kit. "We are very proud of them, it's a fantastic achievement," he said.