Sian Moore, 25, was only 14 when she was diagnosed with a rare tumour on the brain stem. She won the hearts of the region after she was forced to endure a race against time to fly to America for life-saving treatment.

Sian’s parents, Mary and Tony, sister Sarah, 27, and brother Simon, 24, celebrated after Sian, who now lives in Norwich and works as a manager for an insulation company, was given the all clear at Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology.

Mrs Moore said: “When she was ill we would have done anything to save her. We would have re-mortgaged our house. You can’t describe how it feels when somebody tells you your child has cancer. It is such a relief that she is clear.”

Back in 1998 Sian underwent a major operation at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to remove 90 per cent of the tumour, removing the remaining 10 per cent may have resulted in brain damage. The only option left was to fly to America, as the UK did not have the equipment available. The NHS agreed to meet the £45,000 cost of Sian’s radiation treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. However Sian’s family of Peel Street, Abergele, needed to raise a further £10, 000 for air fares and accommodation.

Fundraisers Margaret and Eddie Watts jumped on board and created the Sian Moore Appeal. A staggering £27,000 was raised, more than doubling the original target. Mrs Watt was overwhelmed by Sian’s recovery.

“She’s a lovely girl. She’s always smiling and is so positive. Back then we were writing letters all day. The money would just keep coming in. We would receive pound coins from pensioners and money from companies.”

Mrs Watt created a scrap book of memories showing Sian’s agonising journey. One kind-hearted letter from Mrs M. Jones of Prestatyn contained £30. It reads: “I am an 89-year old pensioner. When I read about your daughter I thought I must do a little something, so please accept this small donation with my very best wishes.”

Mrs Moore, 45, recalled how the fundraising brought the community together and how members of the public would get together to set up clubs and events to contribute to the appeal. Additional funds, which were not used during the appeal, were given to local charities and hospitals.

Sian will go back for consultations every two years. Mrs Moore said: “As the tumour was so rare they want to keep track of things that go on in her life, which may help people in the future. The radiation damaged her pituitary gland, which affects her hormones. Other than that she will lead a normal life.”

As a result of the Sian Moore Appeal, a Cobalt Unit, to combat the rare form of cancer, was installed at a Swansea hospital.