IT was a story of courage and determination.

But Selina Ramanah had her life tragically cut short by leukaemia.

Now, her family want to make sure other leukaemia sufferers get a chance of survival.

Selina, 22, of Almondbury, died on February 10 in St James's Hospital, Leeds, from acute myeloid leukaemia.

Her funeral was at All Hallows Church, Almondbury, on Wednesday.

The disease affected her white blood cells, reducing her immune system.

Selina had beaten the disease three years ago, but it returned last June.

Her only hope of survival was a bone marrow transplant, but a donor match could not be found.

Her mother, Shantah, sister Devina, brother-in-law Gareth and brother Jason were all tested to see if they could donate.

Relatives in Mauritius - from where the family originates - were also tested. The family also tried The Anthony Nolan Trust, which runs a database of donors.

To help boost the number of donors on the register, Selina's university friends organised a clinic, where 200 people registered as donors.

Her family also helped organise similar events in Huddersfield, Preston, Dewsbury and Wakefield.

Now Shantah would like to see more events held by organisations such as universities and businesses.

She said: "There are still people like Selina waiting for a match. There are people who can help, not just by giving marrow but by giving blood.

"If an event is organised, people are likely to take part, because it makes it really easy for them."

Devina said: "Every single person counts. There is a shortage of young male donors and donors from ethnic minorities. It can happen to anyone; Selina is an example of that.

"We will never forget Selina and we want her to be remembered by people doing something positive."

Throughout her battle with leukaemia, Selina never gave up hope that a donor could be found for her.

Her determination and dignity amazed her family, friends and the medical staff who cared for her.

Gareth said: "There was not a single day during those nine months that she was not in severe pain. But she never lost her dignity or manners. She touched everyone so much by that."

Selina grew up in Huddersfield and was a pupil at Newsome High School and Greenhead College, where she gained top A-level grades in art, French and business studies.

She was also a mentor to under- privileged children.

Selina studied art at Leeds College of Art and Design. But two months into her course she was diagnosed with leukaemia.

She had been suffering persistent tiredness, sore throats and colds. At first, doctors dismissed her symptoms as everyday illnesses.

Her mother said: "It is important for people to detect it early. Not every sore throat means you have leukaemia. But if you feel there is something badly wrong, insist on getting tested."

Despite her condition Selina passed her college course with flying colours and won a place to study illustration at Kingston University in London.

But two days before she started there her father, Ben, died suddenly.

Selina wanted to make her father proud and overcame her grief to make a go of university life. She made a network of friends and enjoyed all that London had to offer.

She also took up two new hobbies, salsa dancing and kick-boxing.

But in June last year the energetic student was again struck down.

She was admitted to the teenage and young adult cancer ward at St James's Hospital. Being in a setting suited to young people helped give Selina a positive attitude and determination.

But there are few teenage units.

Selina's family want to see more money given to charities such as the Teenage Cancer Trust, which is working to build more of these units.

A collection was held at Selina's funeral for Candlelighters, a charity which supports the teenage unit at St James's.

Devina said: "Young people need special support. The medicine can only do so much for you. But they can only get more of these places if more money is put in."

Selina's family are hoping people will be moved by her story to do something positive in her memory.

Meanwhile, they will remember her in their own special way.

For information or to help with donations, phone Candlelighters on 0113 247 0372 or visit The Anthony Nolan Trust at www.anthonynolan. org.uk