The family of a teenager battling cancer organised a party to thank for the community for their support.

Charlie Heppell, 15, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma last September.

After a gruelling nine months of treatment, Charlie, from Bosley, is now in remission.

To celebrate, his family – including mum Michelle, 42, dad Rick, 45, and sister Libby, 11 – staged a party near their home on Lakeside, to thank the community.

The event also raised almost £5,000 for two charities; Teenager Cancer Trust and CLIC Sargant, which has supported Charlie’s recovery.

Michelle said: “Finding out Charlie had cancer was a massive shock. It is every parent’s worst nightmare and throws your life into turmoil.

“We have been buoyed by the support of neighbours, friends and family. We simply would not have got through it without them. Now Charlie is in remission we decided to say thank you to the community and raise a bit of money for two charities who have also been a big help.”

Charlie, a keen footballer and fan of Manchester City and Macclesfield Town, began complaining of pains in his hips last year and eventually had it checked out.

Doctors discovered non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.

He was treated using chemo and radiotherapy at Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital’s Teenage Cancer Trust unit where he also accessed CLIC Sargant social workers.

Within weeks of Charlie’s diagnosis, classmates at Eaton Bank Academy in Congleton had organised a fundraiser and donated the cash to the family.

Michelle, a hairdresser, said the biggest help during the struggle was Charlie’s attitude.

She said: “Charlie has been amazing. He has just got on with his treatment with no complaint and a smile on his face.

“He missed seven months of school and is determined to catch up so he doesn’t have to repeat the year. He truly is an inspiration and has kept the family strong.”

Further fundraisers are planned, including a sponsored head-shave at David of Duke Street hair design in Macclesfield on Thursday, July 17.