ON Monday this week we set a challenge to you, our readers.

It was a tough one but, knowing the generosity and kind-heartedness of readers, one which we hoped would be achieved.

After all, when earlier this year we asked for you to support an appeal to help the disaster-hit country of Mozambique, the result was a remarkable total of £14,436 - money which has undoubtedly saved lives.

This time, the appeal was to help someone much closer to home - five-year-old Hannah Jones, from St John's in Worcester, who desperately needed an electric wheelchair.

Evening News readers have had the chance in recent months to follow Hannah's fight for life - and to try and put themselves in the shoes of her parents as they did everything in their power to help her.

Last year Hannah was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, then took another blow when she suffered heart failure while undergoing chemotherapy. Now she is waiting for a heart transplant.

Hers is a moving story of bravery in one so young, and the pledges of help have rolled in. Just five days after we called for your help in raising the cash to buy the wheelchair, the target has been reached.

The story has become all the more remarkable because of the involvement of 11-year-old David Phillips.

The youngster, who will also need a heart transplant because of health problems, asked his parents if he could do something to help - and the result has been a £1,000 donation from his own fund.

Hannah's mum, Kirsty, has been touched by everyone's efforts and says the people of Worcester have restored her faith in human nature - sentiments which we echo.

We're sure that all our readers will wish both Hannah and David well in the battles that lie ahead - and will be prepared to help any other youngsters who need their help.