A TEENAGER who has battled a brain tumour has opened a set of new computer rooms at Oxford Children’s Hospital.

On Wednesday, Jessica Taylor cut the red ribbon on the new facilities, which were financed using the majority of £30,000 her family has raised for the hospital.

The 15-year-old was diagnosed with a brain tumour two years ago.

She had an operation which removed 70 per cent of the tumour and, despite suffering a stroke and undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, she is coping well, although she still has to return for regular check-ups at the hospital.

It was during her visits to the hospital that the teenager decided she wanted to raise money to improve facilities for older children, many of whom have cancer and have to spend periods of time in isolation.

She said: “Things like decent TVs, PlayStations and multimedia computers can make a huge difference when you are in hospital for a long time.

“Teenagers want to be able to stay in touch with their friends, family, school and the outside world, so I know this will really help them.”

Jessica’s grandfather Derek Huddleston and her mum Karen Taylor have helped with the fundraising efforts, which have included sponsored runs, ’60s music nights and golf days held near to the family home in Marlow Bottom, Buckinghamshire.

Mr Huddleston said: “When Jess was so ill we couldn’t concentrate on anything else.

“But as she went through her various treatments we thought it might be good to raise some money as a thank-you to the hospital.

“We are really proud of Jess’s achievements.

“She has never complained about anything the whole way through this difficult time and has been determined throughout.

“It is now an absolute joy to see the benefit of this equipment for youngsters receiving various treatments for cancer and we really want to thank everyone for helping us achieve our goal.”

Nine rooms across Melanie’s Ward and Kamran’s Ward, which both treat children who have cancer as well as other conditions, have been filled with the new equipment.

The hospital’s charitable funds team has been able to buy 17 laptops with Internet capabilities for the children who are treated on each ward.

Andrew House, head of major gifts at the hospital, said: “The Oxford Children’s Hospital is already a wonderful place, but through the efforts of people like Jessica, Derek and Karen we are able to go even further to help children cope.”