A BRAVE Runcorn schoolgirl learning to walk again after major surgery has inspired her classmates to support her fundraising campaign to help sick children.

Katie Renshaw has taken her first few unaided steps after undergoing a nine hour operation to straighten her legs and feet almost three years ago.

The 10-year-old has been treated at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for cerebral palsy since she was one.

Mum Clare, from Sandymoor, said: “She is doing so well the surgeon doesn’t want to see her for another 12 months.

“She is taking her first unaided steps and doing a lot of walking holding my hand. It’s absolutely fabulous.

“It has given her more independence at school which is good.”

Katie’s infectious smile helped to raise more than half a million pounds for the hospital after she was chosen to promote Matalan’s beanie and bobble hat campaign.

Her efforts inspired pupils at Moore Primary School to follow her example and support her fundraising events.

Katie now gets about on special quad sticks and still uses her wheelchair.

Clare added: “Her little friends at school are brilliant with her. She is just Katie to them.

“The support she has received from her friends and their families has been tremendous.”

Weeks after being appointed a charity ambassador for the hospital, Katie teamed up with professional photographer Liam Walsh who took children’s portraits and raised more than £400.

“Parents were really impressed with the pictures,” said Clare. “Liam took a lovely picture of Katie and all her friends,” said Clare.

“We’re hoping to do this event again in the summer and we’ll try and do a family fun day and evening in the spring.”

Katie made her TV debut on a CBBC Saturday Mash-Up! Show broadcast live from the hospital before Christmas.

Eileen Smith, headteacher at Moore Primary School, said: “Katie has undergone a number of painstaking operations and treatments but she has always come back smiling.

“We want to support her mission to raise money for this very worthwhile cause.

“It is one that is very close to our hearts as a number of our children and families have been treated there.”