CHRISTMAS might not be the same this year for the family and friends of Shannon Bradshaw - but their mission is to ensure young patients at Warrington Hospital are given a little festive cheer.

Brave Shannon, aged seven, lost her fight against aplastic anaemia in July and the festive period will be difficult for those who knew her, especially parents Patti and Alan, of Reaper Close, Hood Manor.

Family friend Diane Lamb came up with the idea of collecting presents for children's ward patients, which could be handed out on Christmas Day.

And she has enlisted the help of Asda Westbrook, where staff have put two trolleys for gifts, one for boys and one for girls, in the entrance hall for This Is Warrington readers to contribute.

Supermarket workers are also forsaking exchanging Christmas cards and donating presents to the cause.

Then Patti and Alan, Shannon's sister Danielle along with Shannon's best friend Samantha Lamb, her brother Christopher and mum Diane, and fellow family and friends will hand them out next week.