The parents of Ella Stringer have splashed out more than £1,000 on presents for ill friends of the tragic youngster.

Emily Stringer and Tony Waller donated gifts to poorly patients at the Manchester Children’s Hospital from money raised to pay for treatment for Ella before her death earlier this year.

Five-year-old Ella died following a courageous eight-month battle with rhabdoid sarcoma – a cancer so rare her doctors had to use textbooks to treat it.

They brought some festive cheer to Ella’s friends on Ward 84 after spending the money on personalised gifts including toys, digital cameras and tracksuits. Wrapped in colourful paper and ribbons, the presents were offered as a cheering gesture to all the children spending Christmas in hospital.

Dad Tony said: "It was lovely to walk down the ward and see their faces light up.

"Ella would have loved it because she used to love it when people came to visit the ward. Visiting time was the only time the children had smiles on their faces.

"It was nice to go back and see everyone. There were a few people we knew from when Ella was on the ward and they were happy and surprised to see us.

"We have given most of the money away now but we really wanted to keep some of it for this.

"Emily got the ages and names of all the kids on the ward and bought gifts to suit them."

Lorraine Stomfai, play leader at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital said patients really enjoyed the visit. She said: "Ella was a remarkable young lady and these gifts being donated in her honour is a fitting tribute to such a special and brave little girl who enjoyed playing and making things whilst in hospital.

"We are extremely grateful to the Stringer family for kindly bringing in fantastic toys and gifts for our patients on Ward 84."

More than £30,000 was raised in Ella's name across the Valley so she and her family could travel to Florida for specialist treatment.

But when Ella died in August, Emily and Tony, who live at Roundhill View, Rising Bridge, decided to donate all the money from the Ella Stringer Fund to charity.

They gave £10,000 to The Christie Hospital and cancer charity Click Sergeant and £20,000 to Ella's friend Emma Hoolin, 4, for treatment of high risk neuroblastoma at a hospital in Philadelphia.

Across the Valley friends and family have made efforts to remember Ella.

In Haslingden, children at Broadway School planted a fruit orchard in Victoria Park and a pink cherry blossom tree in memory of their classmate.

On Christmas Day Emily, Tony and their daughter Evie visited Ella's grave and spent a quiet day at home.

Tony said: "We went to see Ella and gave her some presents and then just had Christmas dinner together.

"It was just about trying to get through it this year."

The family are planning more fundraising events for the Ella Stringer Fund and all money raised will go to local cancer charities.

Tony said: "We will always keep the Ella Stringer Fund going for her and in the hope we can make a difference to someone else.

"We want to thank everyone for their support over the year and hopefully people will continue to raise money."

You can make a donation to the Ella Stringer fund at Lloyds TSB bank, account number 25198360 and sort code 777602.