A LEYLAND teenager who died a year ago this week is to be remembered by her grieving schoolmates.

The memory of Lianne Neilson, who was just 14 when she lost a two-year battle against leukaemia, will live on in a plaque at the school she attended, St Mary's High in Leyland.

The plaque, which bears her name, will be placed in the school's newly-refurbished gymnasium.

The idea for the memorial came from St Mary's staff and students, and was approved by her family.

Lianne's sister Ruth, 17, of Headley Road, said this week had been very traumatic. She added: "It is a very difficult time for the family.

"But we are very grateful to the school for thinking of her. The idea behind the plaque came from her schoolmates and teachers. It's a lovely gesture."

Shortly after Lianne's death Ruth, sister Carol, 18, and mum and dad Marjorie and Duncan received dozens of sympathy cards from St Mary's staff and pupils.

Lianne endured months of intensive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hair and weight loss and a bone marrow transplant. But her body rejected the new tissue and, after spending 11 weeks in the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, she died on July 21 - her mum's 40th birthday.

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