AMY Lewis was rewarded for making it to the top of the highest mountain in England and Wales - with a trip to Buckingham Palace.

The ten-year-old, who suffers from Evan's Syndrome, beat the pain barrier to reach the top of Mount Snowdon earlier this year.

Now her achievement has been recognised by Princess Anne.

Amy, who is a St John Ambulance cadet, refused to let her condition hold her back when she decided she wanted to help the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, as a way of thanking staff for helping her fight a lifelong illness.

Supported by more than 20 family members, Amy, of Joseph Street, Radcliffe, walked unaided to the top of the mountain in just over four hours, raising more than £1,000 for the hospital's charity.

Each year a handful of cadets are chosen from across the country to make the visit to Buckingham Palace to mark any outstanding achievements.

So Amy travelled down to London, after being nominated by members of the St John Ambulance in Radcliffe. Amy was asked by Princess Anne why she became a member of the group and she said it was because she had spent so much time in hospital and wanted to help others.

Amy, a pupil at Chapelfield Primary School in Stand Lane, was diagnosed with Evan's syndrome five years ago - a rare blood disorder where the white and red blood cells fight against each other.

The condition can leave her in a lot of pain and up to six months a year visiting hospital for treatment, and she has spent half her life on medication and painkillers for the syndrome which affects the blood and immune system.

Amy also suffers from osteoporosis and crushed vertebrae in her spine. She has also had her gall bladder removed and is now awaiting a bone marrow transplant.

Amy's mother, Tracey, who also has Evan's Syndrome, said: "Amy has been so brave about all her operations, and she was so pleased to have been chosen to go down the London. After having her gall bladder out, she was on the stage in her school play he next week."