A TWIN whose sister has cancer has raised nearly £10,000 for the hospital that is treating her.

Katie Beattie set up an art exhibition in honour of her sister Judith, who is being treated in the Teenage Cancer Trust ward at the Beatson unit in the city's Gartnavel hospital.

Judith, who has leukemia, is a promising art student and her work is on display along with dozens of artworks and jewellery donated to the pair.

Katie said: "The response was amazing. We had a target of £4000 and then we got to £6000 in the first day - we couldn't believe it.

"When someone is in hospital you feel like you are not doing anything to help them so it's been really good to do something proactive.

"The Beatson is now a home from home so we wanted to do something to give back to the hospital."

Judith was diagnosed with leukemia on September 10 last year.

She had been fit and active but, after returning from holiday, took ill, becoming so pale, Katie said, she was, "almost translucent".

Within an hour of having a blood test, Judith was called back to her GP's surgery as doctors were so worried about her low white cell count. She was admitted to hospital straight away and stayed in for four months.

Katie, 21, added: "We didn't expect it. We thought it was maybe her diet or anaemia. Not cancer."

Judith, a fine art student at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, was allowed home just after Christmas.

Her treatment will continue for two years and sees her attend the Beatson twice a week, as well as stays as an in-patient.

Katie, a psychology student at Caledonian University, was loaned a free studio space at the Skypark business centre, in Finnieston, as well as easels to display the work.

Supporters have been able to purchase artwork by established Scottish artists, as well as Judith's college classmates.

Katie, from Bridge of Weir, said: "We are so grateful to everyone who has donated or bought a painting and Skypark has been amazing as well, so supportive."

Angela Higgins, director of Resonance Capital and joint venture partner of Skypark, said: "We are delighted for Judith, Katie and their friends and family for how successful this exhibition has been.

"It's been a difficult process, but the enthusiasm and dedication they have shown has been inspiring."

The exhibition closes tomorrow but to buy remaining pieces, visit www.facebook.com/TCTexhibition glasgow

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk