A Penryn grandmother has turned a devastating diagnosis of cancer into something positive by raising more than £1,200 for sick children - and the money keeps on coming.

Four weeks ago Tracey Symons received the news that she had been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer.

Rather than dwell, however, she decided that with a birthday coming up she would take the opportunity to fundraise for the Children's Hospice South West.

Initially setting a target of £250, Tracey, from Saracen Way, celebrated turning 52 on Monday - and with it raising £1,290 to date.

With the fundraising originally due to end to in two days, she has now extended the finish date by a week, in the hope of raising as much money for the charity that provides end of life and bereavement care for life-limited and terminally ill children and their families.

Falmouth Packet:

Tracey with her younger granddaughter Harper Rose

Tracey said: "I have in the past four weeks had devastating news, have been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer .

"I wanted something good to come out of something bad so I set up a birthday fundraiser for Children's Hospice South West."

She said she was "astounded" by the amount raised so far, adding "This has made me so happy."

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Tracey, who is due to start her second round of chemotherapy next week, went on to say: "The support that I have received from my friends and family has been totally overwhelming."

She has even received a message from the charity itself on her fundraising page, which can be found via Tracey's Facebook profile or clicking here to donate.

She also received more than 200 birthday messages and wrote on the day: "You wonderful, wonderful people, you've all made my birthday the best ever and its made something so positive come out of something so negative.

"If we've helped make a difference in one person's life that's incredible but just imagine how many lives all your generous donations have made."

Tracey added: "If I've learnt anything these past few weeks its live each day to the best you possibly can. As the saying goes, you just do not know what is around the corner!"