A brave teenager with cancer has been honoured for raising more than £52,000 for young hospital patients.

Sophie Watson, 16, a former pupil of Burford School, Burford, spent almost a year raising funds to buy computers, games, videos and arts and crafts for kids on ward 4B at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, where she stayed while being treated for cancer.

She was presented with the Richard Dew Trophy by area police commander Chief Supt Michael Page, who called her a "real star". He said: "Although she has been very ill, Sophie has channelled all her energies into helping people. She has always put others first."

The Richard Dew Trophy is awarded by the Abingdon and District Crime Prevention Panel to a young person from schools in the county for outstanding achievement. It was set up in memory of a Sutton Courtenay boy who was tragically killed in 1982, aged 13.

Sophie wrote countless letters to friends, schools and local firms appealing for help. She also had her head shaved and organised sponsored events, including a swimathon and sponsored walk.

"I was hoping to raise a few hundred pounds," said Sophie. "I just thought there wasn't much for teenagers to do in the ward and it would be good to be able to buy some videos or games. I didn't expect anything like this."

Sophie, whose family home is at Stow-on-the-Wold, was nominated by Burford School principal Patrick Sanders. The success of the fundraising drive - with money still rolling in - attracted the attention of the Queen Mother, who donated a liquidiser to the ward, and the Duchess of York, who has written supportive letters to Sophie.

"Everyone has been brilliant," said Sophie. "Families and friends got really involved. I couldn't have believed how much money we would raise." John Radcliffe Hospital spokesman Megan Turmezei said: "This is a wonderful effort on the part of Sophie and I know all the staff, patients and families will be tremendously grateful."

Story date: Tuesday 06 April

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