Stoke City stars visit Berry Hill High School| Sophi Webb awards

TEENAGER Sophi Webb is celebrating success at school, despite fighting a brain tumour.

The Berry Hill High School and Sports College pupil, aged 14, is on track to achieve the equivalent of one GCSE this year, and yesterday enjoyed a visit from her favourite footballer.

WELL DONE: Sophi Webb in her signed Stoke shirt with her awards alongside John Rudge and Ryan Shawcross.

Stoke City star Ryan Shawcross made a trip to the Bucknall school with director of football John Rudge.

They gave Sophi awards for what she has already mastered, and handed out others to some of her classmates.

But the highlight of Sophi's day was being presented with a Stoke City shirt signed by the whole squad.

Sophi, of Fulwood Walk, Bentilee, said: "It really means so much to me.

"Ryan is my favourite player and I think all my classmates are chuffed he is here."

Sophi's parents were overjoyed at seeing Sophi so popular at school.

Les, aged 44, said: "Many people have illnesses but Sophi has shown what can still be done.

"We are really pleased for her and all the other children who have won awards.

"It is great of John and Ryan to take time out to come and see them."

Sophi's mum Lisa added: "As a family, we never thought we would see this day but it is thanks to the support from staff at the school and everyone involved with Sophi's learning.

"They have helped Sophi to overcome a lot of difficulties she has experienced on a day-to-day basis."

Defender Ryan, who visited Sophi at home in August to open her tailor-made bedroom, said: "Sophi has had her problems but she has still done so well. It takes a very brave girl to do that. I think she is amazing."

John, who managed Port Vale for 16 years before joining City, added: "Sophi is a fantastic supporter of the club and she has achieved great things so it is an honour to come and present her with the awards."

Sophi, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2007, has been taking unit awards in the school's success centre three days a week since October.

She has already passed four units and is expected to complete another six to make up a qualification equivalent to a GCSE by the end of the school year.

Units already completed include literacy skills and using a word processor.

The school's key skills worker and learning mentor Diane Jewess said: "It is amazing what Sophi has achieved in such a small amount of time and with the difficulties she has got.

"Everyone at the school would like to congratulate her."