Katie Brooman, from Portsmouth near Todmorden, had intensive surgery and is undergoing months of chemotherapy after finding a tumour in her leg.

But thanks to a grant from young people's cancer charity CLIC Sargent, her mum was able to stay with her throughout weeks of treatment at a specialist hospital in Birmingham

Now the 23-year-old is helping mark a £1 million donation from the HBOS Foundation.

"As a mother you want to protect your children and be with them. I wanted to be there to give her the support that she needed," said her mum Lyn, from Mytholmroyd. "The help we've had from the charity has been a lifeline."

Katie, a home care assistant, was diagnosed with cancer in her right leg in February 2007.

Doctors sent her to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham where she had her knee and part of her thigh replaced.

It was thanks to money from the CLIC Foundation that Mrs Brooman was able to stay and help her daughter through the treatment.

Katie's dad Brian said: "It meant I could leave Katie and know there was someone there to look after her."

Katie is still undergoing chemotherapy and physiotherapy to help her walk.

A volunteer from the charity has also been helping her get out during her recovery.

"It's been a challenging time," said Katie, "But I feel I've come a long way since I was first diagnosed.

"I still need a wheelchair but I can walk. Things are definitely getting better."

The HBOS Foundation raised the £1 million in less than five months through sponsored runs, coffee mornings and dress-down days.