TEENAGER Emily Stephens was horrified when she found out her close friend had leukaemia.
Now she is trying to help in any way she can.
And that includes raising money for charity Clic Sargent by organising a concert in Sophie Williams' honour.
Emily, 14, said: "Sophie and I are quite close. We grew up together, and spend quite a lot of time together.
"It was shocking when I heard the news that Sophie had leukaemia. You hear about it, but you never think it would happen to someone so close to you.
"It is a really awful thing to happen, but I am happy she is responding well to treatment."
Emily, of Woodmancote, is an oboist for the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain and is bringing its musicians together with performers from Cheltenham, including the Everyman Youth Company, for the concert.
The Pate's Grammar School pupil added: "I think it is a great way to raise awareness for people in need.
"I have known Sophie for a few years now, and Clic Sergant has been supporting her.
"I am a child as well, so I know how difficult it can be. Music is something I can do, and I know I wanted to do it for charity."
Sophie, 11, of Woodmancote, was diagnosed with the illness last year when doctors did a blood test for glandular fever
She said she was "really thankful" to have such a great family and friends supporting her. Her mum Lesley added she was grateful for the support Sophie had been given by her close friends.
"We are really looking forward to the concert, it will be really good," she said.
"I have known the Stephens' for the past four years, and we've become really good friends.
"Emily and Sophie have also become really close friends. It was a real shock when we heard the news, and took a while for us to sit up and start asking questions.
"It is going to be a part of our lives. It was especially hard for Sophie, and she really suffered from some of the treatments. One of hardest things was losing her hair, and I think it's just really difficult for a 10-year-old girl. But Sophie is also responding very well to treatment, so we are really pleased."
Emily's mother Di, 45, added: "I'm really proud of Emily. She is very mature and felt very strongly about music and knew she wanted to raise money and awareness for the charity."
The concert will be held in Woodmancote Primary School on May 18 at 6.30pm. Tickets have sold out, but people can still donate at www.justgiving.com/emily-clic-sargent
OPINION, P8
