A COURAGEOUS Runcorn schoolgirl learning to walk again after major surgery has been honoured.

Katie Renshaw has been appointed a charity ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where she has been treated since she was one.

The 10-year-old was born with cerebral palsy yet never lets her disability hold her back.

Her infectious smile helped to raise more than half a million pounds for the hospital after she was chosen to promote Matalan’s hat campaign two years ago.

Sales of 157,228 hats raised £620,580 for Alder Hey’s new research and innovation centre.

Katie is now making great progress after a nine-hour operation to straighten her legs.

Despite having to go back in a wheelchair and learn to walk again, she continues with her fundraising efforts.

Professional photographer Liam Walsh is taking children’s portraits on Saturday and will donate half the proceeds to the hospital.

Mum Clare, from Sandymoor, said: “Katie has been an inspiration to everyone.

“She is doing really well with her walking.”

The Moore Primary School pupil persuaded her surgeon Colin Bruce to pose for a picture with her in the latest Matalan promotion, spotty pyjamas.

Katie said: “I was over the moon to be chosen as a charity ambassador. I’m very excited.”

Her headteacher Eileen Smith said: “Katie has undergone a number of painstaking operations and treatments but she has always come back smiling.”

Cath Harding, from Alder Hey Children’s Charity, said: “Katie is a remarkable girl who has been helping us to raise vital funds for a number of years in different ways and always has a smile on her face.”

Photographer Liam Walsh’s portrait package includes 16 different digital images and one A4 print for £20, with £10 being donated to Alder Hey.

To book an appointment for Saturday’s shoot call Clare on 07901 998388 or e-mail claremill@hotmail.co.uk.