BEING among the first patients treated in the impressive surroundings of phase two of the Children's Hospital for Wales, it was fitting that Libby Fussell played a key part in its official opening.

The 12-year-old, from Newport, was the star of a video praising the new section of the hospital and its staff, played to guests at the event yesterday, and then cut a celebration cake, to mark the occasion.

By then she had been introduced as "a very brave and generous young lady" by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board chairman Maria Battle, a description summing up Libby's fighting spirit and determination - through fundraising efforts for charities including the Noah's Ark Appeal, LATCH, and Dreams & Wishes - to help those who are helping her and her family.

Diagnosed on October 31 last year with a rare brain tumour comprising two types of cancer, Libby has since undergone two major operations, followed by intense radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Despite these challenges, she has raised money for the aforementioned charities, and she and some friends donated their hair to the Little Princess Trust, which funds wigs for children who lose their hair through cancer treatment.

Currently part way through the latest gruelling bout of chemotherapy, Libby was nevertheless determined to be at the formal opening, also attended by dignitaries, celebrities including singer Charlotte Church, patron of the Noah's Ark Appeal that has raised £12 million for the project, and other patients and their families.

"She's such a little fighter and this place is incredible - the facilities and the staff are amazing," said Libby's mum Sarah Fussell.

Libby's dad Jason and sisters Eve, 16, and Charlotte, eight, were also at the opening ceremony for a specially designed facility bringing together children services under one roof. It includes:

• Cardiac and renal services, including a renal day unit;

• Surgical ward, including ambulatory care;

• Children’s theatre suite, including five operating theatres;

• Children’s critical care unit;

• Children’s radiology services, and therapy services, including a hydrotherapy pool.

The first phase of the hospital, adjoining the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, opened in 2006. Its staff cares for around 75,000 children a year from across Wales.

In addition to the Noah's Ark Appeal fundraising effort, the Welsh Government has invested more than £60m in the Children's Hospital for Wales, and a further £1.2m announced at the opening will buy equipment such as ventilators, sensory equipment, an anaesthetic machine, specialist beds and cots, a second x-ray machine and an echocardiograph machine.

The hospital will meanwhile remain a big part of Libby Fussell's and her family's lives while she continues her treatment with the aim of returning to school in the autumn.

"She's mainly still in the wheelchair, but she can walk now, and when she's finished the chemotherapy course, she will go onto chemo tablets," said Mrs Fussell.