Brave Bethany is back in hospital; BUT MUM SAYS CANCER-BATTLING TODDLER SHOULD BE HOME SOON.

Byline: DEAN VALLER

COURAGEOUS toddler Bethany Keenan, who is fighting a rare form of cancer, has been forced to return to hospital after contracting a chest infection.

The four-year-old, of Tile Hill, Coventry, was in Walsgrave Hospital this week after catching the infection, having overcome a bout of pneumonia the previous week.

But mum Kay Keenan, 39, said she expects Bethany to be out of hospital by the end of the week, and added that she is in good spirits.

"Bethany's all right - she's running around and, although she obviously doesn't want to be there, she knows it's to make her better," said Mrs Keenan.

Bethany has been cancer-free since a four-hour operation in December to remove the remainder of a tumour.

Fundraisers have so far donated around pounds 45,000 to pay for treatment for the youngster in the US - should her treatment in Britain not be successful.

Donations include a contribution from Budget Insurance in Coventry, where employees set up a beauty salon and had a dress-down day that together raised pounds 1,260 - half of which will go to help Bethany, who lives in Tile Hill.

Suzan Tew, associate director, said the rest of the cash is being donated to Deedmore School, in Henley Green, hit by arson earlier this year.

Teacher Neil Coleman, 26, of Michael Drayton Junior School, in Hartshill, Nuneaton, also raised pounds 1,306 for Bethany by co-ordinating a series of events.

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D21360_1. GRATEFUL: Suzan Tew, Budget's associate director, with Bethany's mum Kay and (inset) Bethany. Main picture: JAMES BALFOUR