TEENAGER Danika Scho field is such a cheery, kindly soul that she helps other youngsters who are sick or have problems to see the brighter sides of life.

This is all the more amazing because 15-year-old Danika is fighting her own battle with cancer while she watched her father survive a brain tumour but lost her grandfather to cancer.

She agrees she has had a tough year, but says this means you have to stay strong and get through it for other people as well as yourself. She listens to the worries of others as part of a mentoring scheme at school, has helped the elderly with shopping and painted murals for youngsters at Great Western Hospital.

Danika is an inspiration to her peers and is admired by her elders. Her school recently put her name forward for the Princess Diana Memorial awards and the charity was delighted to recognise her achievements.

Her headteacher describes her as selfless, showing commendable bravery in the face of serious illness.

It is because of people like Danika that we are running the Swindon Cancer Appeal to raise £600,000 over three years to help people with the disease.

Already Advertiser readers and local businesses have helped us raise £202,000 since March.

It is hearing about the bravery of people like Danika that is bringing money in. Now she joins us in urging our readers to give to the campaign.