RACHAEL Barlow will never be forgotten. Five year-old Rachael's memory will survive long after her death from a brain tumour in 1996.

Local fund-raisers led by Golborne mum Sally Atkinson and her sister, Kathy (pictured), have set a target to raise £10,000 in six months to help fund a new cancer treatment unit in Rachael's memory at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Sally, of Pennine Lane, is a friend of Rachael's parents. And having herself gone through the trauma of being diagnosed as having a brain tumour, she knows just how the Barlows must have suffered.

She and Kathy are now organising a series of fund-raising events to boost the hospital's recently launched Rocking Horse Appeal.

Sally explained:"The death of a child in any circumstances is tragic but to suffer like Rachael did is cruel.

"I feel so strongly that I must do this in Rachael's name so everyone will be reminded of the ray of sunshine she was.

"She will stay in people's hearts for ever and I am sure would be only too proud to head our fund raising."

After visiting the hospital Rachael and Kathy were even more determined to hit their target.

"The ward is cramped but we could not live with ourselves if we did not do something to help these little ones."

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