A FIVE-year-old Hereford girl took matters in her own hands when she knew her classmate was bravely undergoing hospital treatment for leukaemia.

With a birthday celebration coming up, Franki Rowlands from Whitecross made clear that she wanted donations for a children’s cancer charity rather than to receive presents for herself.

The “selfless” Trinity Primary School pupil’s decision has touched many others, in particular Lucie and Ashley Davies and their five-year-old daughter, Mollie, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2016 at the age of three.

“She was doing really well and had started school in September 2017, which she loved and made some great friendships,” said Lucie. Mollie’s eight-year-old sister, Phoebe is also a pupil at Trinity school.

“However, we received some devastating news in January 2017 that Mollie’s leukaemia had come back. She had to start intensive chemotherapy to get back into remission for her to have a bone marrow transplant.”

Mollie had to stop going to school. “She now spends most of her time in hospital,” said Lucie. But her schoolfriends have not forgotten their friend.

“Her lovely classmate Franki decided that instead of receiving presents for her fifth birthday she would like to raise money for a charity that helps children like Mollie,” Lucie explained.

Said the girls’ headteacher, Kathy Weston: “We were full of admiration for Franki when we heard of the selfless action she had taken in support of her friend.

"For a five-year-old child to be so thoughtful to the plight of others is remarkable.”

Mrs Weston explained that children have been discussing responsibility in school.

“Franki has taken this to another level,” she said.

“The whole of the school know about her gesture and she has gained the ultimate respect from her peers and the staff for her extreme care and generosity.”

Mrs Weston added: “We all look forward to the time when Mollie can return to us and take a full and active part in the life of the school.”

On her birthday, Franki managed to collect £160 for Children with Cancer UK, inspired by Mollie.

More importantly, her efforts will raise awareness of a very real need to encourage donors to sign up to a bone marrow register.

Franki’s aunt, Sharon Butler expressed her feelings: “Instead of her friends bringing presents, she asked for donations for the charity.

“Franki, albeit her young age, understands how poorly her friend is and wanted to help children like her.

"We are all so proud of her. Franki is an amazing, kind little girl.”

Franki and her older sister also had their long hair cut to give to the Little Princess Trust, she explained.

Lucie points out that Mollie now has a donor from America.

“But I would be keen to encourage more people to sign up to the bone marrow donor register," she said.

"It’s easy to do – all it takes is a mouth swab.”

Donors can sign up at DKMS – Delete Blood Cancer or Anthony Nolan at www.anthonynolan.org