A MEMORIAL bench has arrived at the family home of a teenage girl who died of bone cancer.

Donna Shaw died last April at the age of 17 after developing tumours in her ankle, leg, hip, arm, shoulder, lungs and skull.

Now her family are looking forward to warmer weather so they can sit outside on her memorial bench and reflect on their time with her.

The bench is at the home of her mum and stepfather, Nikki and Mik Parker, in Rosedale Avenue, Alvaston.

There are three plaques on the seat, which was paid for using donations from family, friends and well-wishers.

One plaque is engraved with a saying which became Donna's catchphrase during her illness: "It's ok to cry but it's better to smile."

Another is from family and friends and reads: "Forever in our hearts."

The final plaque is from Donna's football club, St George's Ladies, and says: "For our Donna Kebab."

Mum Nikki, 47, said: "When it's a bit warmer, we'll be able to sit out there on the bench and be with Donna."

Nikki has been doing her best to cope with her daughter's death and has returned to work at the Britannia Cafe, in Thorntree Lane, Derby.

She said: "Christmas and New Year were hard and so was Donna's 18th birthday, on December 29. But we don't forget her."

A fund-raising day of football matches, dubbed Donna Day, was organised last summer by the manager of St George's Ladies, Paul Hunt.

It raised £570, of which £330 was spent on the bench.

The remaining £240 went to children's cancer ward E38 at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre, where Donna was treated.

Paul said he was yet to see the bench, adding: "I'm planning to take all the girls from the team round to see it one night after training."

Two members of the team are planning to do a skydive on April 6 at Nottinghamshire's Langar Airfield.

Funds raised by Lucy Swift, 17, of Ashbourne, and Jade Hosty, 18, of Alvaston, will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Jade's dad, 52-year-old John, had throat cancer three years ago and has since been given the all-clear. Jade said: "Seeing what he went through, I just wanted to do something to help others."

Lucy said they hoped to raise at least £400. adding: "We don't think it's well recognised enough that teenagers do get cancer."

To sponsor the pair, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/lucyswiftandjadehosty