FOR teenage cancer sufferer Abigail Taylor-Silk, it was the best Christmas present she could hope for.

After months of gruelling treatment, doctors have discovered that the courageous 13-year-old is winning her battle against the disease.

A scan at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford has shown that the treatment has killed off malignant tumours in her neck and chest.

Abigail, of St Andrew's Close, Wroughton was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma a rare form of cancer in April 2002.

Since then, she has undergone months of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant operation.

The last few months have been a tense time for Abigail and her family, as they waited to find out if the treatment would have any effect.

Although the results were better than expected, and the tumours have gone, doctors have arranged further tests on three enlarged nodes discovered in Abigail's lungs.

The tests, next month, will establish whether they are a side effect of the treatment or something more serious.

But for the time being, the family is celebrating the fact that Abigail has responded to treatment.

She is also looking forward to the trip of a lifetime to swim with dolphins in Florida paid for by villagers in Wroughton.

Abigail's mother Denise 38, said: "Abigail's radiotherapy finished three months ago, and it has taken until now to find out if she has responded.

"The waiting and not knowing had been hard on us all, but we're delighted with the results.

"Although further tests are needed, it shows she responds to treatment.

"She really needed this lift, it's a wonderful Christmas present for her, and a great weight off her mind."

Residents in Wroughton have raised £6,000 to make Abigail's dream of swimming with dolphins come true.

The fundraising has been so successful that they have formed a charity, called Smile, to help other needy youngsters in the community.

Abigail's whole family will go on the trip to Florida when she is well enough.

Abigail, who attends Ridgeway School, said: "I'm so pleased I got the results before Christmas.

"These were really significant, but I just didn't know what they would show.

"I'm just so pleased they have come out so well.

"I'm really excited about the trip to Florida, I can't wait to go."

tlal@newswilts.co.uk