We first met penny and her family in july 05 on ward 16 at the R.V.I hospital. My daughter Megan had just finished her treatment for hodgkins lymphoma and was going to theatre to have her lines removed. We got on really well with Penny,Ray and Denise and spent a lot of time with them in the three bedded room. We remember laughing along with Penny because she was always up and down to the loo. Penny was a wonderful girl. She was always happy and friendly. We never once heard her complain about anything. When the nurses would come in looking for Penny we always guided them in the right direction---------DOWN ON THE COMPUTER ON MSN!! When Megan was discharged we didn't see much of Penny and her family until October when Megans cancer had returned. Penny was still smiling still happy and taking everything in her stride. The other teenagers would complain about being in hospital,the horrible food etc but Penny never ever did. We started to spend more and more time at the hospital, usually in the same room as Penny which we were always happy about. Poor Ray had to suffer Tracy's snoring and she would wake up very early and find that Ray had already put his bed back up and left the room. Myself Tracy and Denise became smoking buddies or Tab buddies as Denise would say. We laughed as Denise would light up one after the other so that she didn't have to come back out. Having a chid go through cancer treatment is a nightmare for any parent but having another family that you can talk to and understand what you are going through helps a great deal. The Burns family are a wonderful family and we are so greatful to have had the pleasure to meet them. When we would travel from middlesbrough to the hospital Megan would always say "I hope Penny is in". She looked forward to seeing her. When we arrived for Megans chemo in early December we were shocked to find that Penny was in and not very well but nothing prepared us for what was going to happen. Penny was still smiling and still as polite as ever. Things happened so quick and even though the burns family were distraught they never forgot us. Sandy came in the room and told us what was happening. Penny fell asleep that night and we were heartbroken. We would like to say to Denise and Ray that Penny was a credit to you both . A beautiful girl with a heart of gold. She will be in our hearts for ever. Megan is at the end of her second lot of treatment and we feel that she has an angel looking after her ................PENNY With all our love Mandy, Tracy and Megan xxxxxx