THIS was the moment plucky Worcester tot Hannah Jones finally received her wheelchair.

Shrieks of joy erupted from the five-year-old as she climbed into her miniature Barbie-pink chair.

Proud mum Kirsty and her three-year-old brother Oliver beamed as Keep Able's Mandy Hyde handed over the wheels, paid for by Evening News readers.

"I chose the colour because it's like Barbie," said Hannah, braving yesterday's rain in red wellies. I haven't got any Barbies. But I might get some for Christmas."

The youngster, struck down with acute myeloid leukaemia, suffered heart failure in December after just two chemotherapy sessions.

She is five months into remission, but must wait another seven before she can be considered for the transplant she desperately needs. Mrs Jones, who sets up a drip every night to feed Hannah, paid tribute to the donors who rallied round to collect the cash in just five days.

The well-wishers included regulars at The Fox pub in Pitmaston Road and the Blackpole Inn, Blackpole, pledged a total of £1,000 while Graham Smith, of Tolladine Road, organised a skittles evening.

One on One Fitness Centre in St John's held two fatigues and a Pokemon swap session, the 1st Leigh St Edburga Guides gave £50, and lung-op youngster David Phillips handed over £1,000 for the fund.

Kevin Devlin, who works for White Arrow, raised £550 by shaving his head.

"It's been absolutely wonderful," said Mrs Jones, standing on the drive of her Nuffield Close home in St John's.

"We're absolutely amazed so many people have put so much money into it.

"We're really, really lucky. There are hundreds of children out there that are desperate for a chair like this.

"We're having to feed Hannah every night because her body weight's dropping and it's destroying her muscles. This will really help conserve her energy."

Yesterday, the three were planning Hannah's first trip in the motorised chair. She will also use it to travel to Whitbourne Primary School.

"I'm going to the corner shop to buy some sweets," said Hannah. "I like sweets and crisps. My chair's lovely."

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