AN EXTRAORDINARY teenager from Gourock who raised a staggering £250,000 at charity ball to help children battling cancer is now facing more treatment.

Molly Cuddihy has won the hearts of famous stars while fighting bone cancer and recently organised and staged an unforgettable fundraiser along with her best friend.

The 17-year-old's dream of creating a special room for eight to 12-year-olds in the life-saving Schiehallion hospital unit - similar to the existing one dedicated to teenagers which she benefited from - will now come true.

Despite undergoing more chemotherapy, Molly is already busy making plans for the new room which she says will be 'life-changing' for the children and families who use it.

As she reflects on the success of the charity ball she paid a special thank-you to everyone in Inverclyde who has supported her along the way.

Molly, who recently gained straight As in her exams, said: "I can never thank everyone enough for the support we have had.

"People gave so much of their time, as well as their money.

"Everyone donated something that mattered but they didn't do it for recognition.

"We're overwhelmed by how much we have raised.

"It is life-changing for children.

"The Schiehallion unit is the most incredible place.

"I would never have wanted or wished to be there, no one would, but I will never forget that I was and what they did for me and I also met my best friend Sara there.

"We can now give the eight to 12-year-olds a place to go to be with friends in the ward and family to talk, to eat and do normal things.

"We wanted to give them that.

"For me the room gave me somewhere to study."

Molly and pal Sara Millar will now work closely with the NHS Greater Glasgow Glasgow and Clyde to design the new room for the unit.

Molly said: "I think we would definitely like to choose the colour scheme!

"But the most important thing for me is that there is table in there, somewhere for children and families to sit round and to talk.

"Sometimes it is the little things that matter the most."

Molly and her friend Sara, 16, from Glasgow, organised their ball as a thanks to all the staff from the Schiehallion, who were guests of honour.

They included world renowned Professor Brenda Gibson who spoke on the night and hailed Molly and Sara's achievements.

In front of the 700 guests Molly also paid an emotional tribute to her consultant Dr Jairam Sastry.

Since August Molly has had to have another operation to remove one tumour and will now have more chemo to target two more, and she will also need two stem cell bone marrow transplants.

Paediatric oncologist Dr Sastry devised a treatment plan around her circumstances, including preparations for the ball and taking into account her entry exams for university.

Grateful Molly added: "I never even asked him to do this.

"He just does it anyway."

Molly was surrounded by her proud family on the night of the ball

Her dad John said: "It was beautiful.

"At one point we asked people to come onto the dancefloor and pledge money for the paediatric ICT unit and the whole floor just filled up with people."

Organisers Molly and Sara would like to thank sponsors INSITE for backing their event, Harviestoun Brewery who co-sponsored the drinks reception and placed Schiehallion beer on the tables, Rocca Morra Wines who co-sponsored the drinks reception and supplied champagne and Barrs who sponsored soft drinks and water for the tables.