AFTER months of anguish, tears and heartache a teenage cancer victim has courageously fought off the potentially fatal illness to join her friends for a celebratory charity concert in Bromsgrove.

The concert, organised by South Bromsgrove High School student, Andrew Porter, will take place at the Ryland Centre, in New Road, this Friday.

He gained inspiration from 17-year-old school chum, Lizzie Cross, who was diagnosed with a kidney tumour in March last year and all cash will go to the Cancer Research Campaign.

Lizzie, who was busy revising for her GCSE exams, discovered she had the tumour after waking with severe pain in her side.

After describing the symptoms to a doctor Lizzie, who also attends South Bromsgrove High, was rushed to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and was diagnosed with a kidney tumour the same day. But devastated family and friends rallied round to help Lizzie throughout her treatment and managed to raise over £10,000 for the Cancer Research Campaign.

Her 19-year-old brother, Adam, has also carried out a mammoth trek in Peru to raise cash for the charity.

Lizzie, from Harvington Road, said: "I couldn't stop crying when I found out and worried about losing my hair through chemotherapy.

"It was quite a vicious treatment, but I tried to remain positive and upbeat throughout, and got by with the help and support of my friends.

"Looking back on it now I can't believe I managed to pull through this.

"I still go for regular scans but it has completely changed my attitude towards life. Now I'm more positive and live life for today."

The concert, which will include four bands, Valhalla, Spiked Fist, Puffin and Milf, will kick off at 7.30pm. Admission is £3.50 on the door.