A BROTHER and sister have raised more than £3,000 in memory of a close friend who died from cancer last April.

Sarah and Sam Cooper were devastated when fellow Hindley teenager Emily Weightman lost her long fight with bone cancer Ewing’s sarcoma at the age of 16.

The siblings, of Fairman Drive, decided that they wanted to help other young cancer victims.

Sarah, 16, raised £1,450 for Ward 84 at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, where her best friend Emily was treated, by organising a concert at her church in Horwich on July 16.

Sam, 19, amassed £1,600 for Children with Cancer UK by completing the 100-mile Prudential RideLondon-Surrey bike ride with a picture of Emily on his back on July 30.

Sarah said: “Emily was my world so the least I could do to commemorate her wonderful fighting spirit was organise the charity concert.

“I am proud I have been able to help children who are fighting cancer like Em.

“This money will go towards buying toys for the ward."

Sam added: "I found it very challenging doing the 100-mile bike ride but am pleased it has raised so much money and awareness for the charity.

“I definitely want to do more fundraising in memory of Emily through cycling and am joining a cycling club at university."

Their mum Deborah said: “My husband Shaun and I could not be more proud of them because they did this off their own backs.

“Emily’s family have supported them both.

"It means so much for them to do something positive in memory of their friend."

To make make a donation to Children with Cancer UK visit bit.ly/2byVwiS. Donations to Ward 84 at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital should be sent directly to the ward.