A TEENAGER gave up presents for her 18th birthday in exchange for donations for research into the disease which killed her mother.

Laura Bancroft, of The Coppice, Blackburn, gave up the £684.70 she would have received in money and gifts for a donation to Cancer Research.

Laura's mum, Julie Bancroft, died aged 40 on May 20 last year after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

The pancreas is a glandular organ which makes enzymes that help the body break down and use nutrients in food and produces insulin that help body control blood sugar levels.

Julie had been experiencing stomach pains in October 2005 and visited her doctor.

A few months later in January 2006 after having a variety of medical tests Julie, an interior designer for Pendlewood Craft, Blackburn, with husband David, 45, was diagnosed with the cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the UK and around 7,000 people die from it every year.

Laura, who has inherited her mum's artistic flair and is studying art among other subjects at Runshaw College, Leyland, said: "I just thought I wanted to help the charity and stuff and thought instead of getting loads of money for myself I could give it to something worthwhile.

"And I said I wanted don-ations instead of presents for my birthday this year.

"My mum died as I started my GCSE's when I was at Westholme School in Blackburn.

"I got three A star grades, six As and one C, so I hope I did her proud with my results.

"This was the first time I have really celebrated my birthday without her.

"Last year I just had a meal with my friends.

"It was sad she wasn't here for my 18th but I feel she is with me."

At least 200 friends and family attended her pink themed party on September 22 at Richmond's, Richmond Terrace, Blackburn.

Laura has vowed to follow in her grandfather Eric Bancroft's footsteps.

He is the president of the Blackburn District and Ribble Valley Cancer Research group.

Laura added: "I think this will be the first of many fundraisers I will do for Cancer Research.

"I was really excited when I opened all my cards and I was really shocked with how much money was raised.

"I didn't expect to raise that much."