WHEN Tan Li Fang, 19, collected her N-level exam results yesterday, both good and bad memories may have come flooding back.

She did well enough, with five passes, to apply for her preferred course of multimedia technology in ITE.

In May last year, she was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Although she had begun preparations for her N levels last year, she had to put her studies on hold to go for an intensive six-month chemotherapy treatment.

The Yuying Secondary School student said: 'Initally, I wanted to continue with my exams because I didn't want to waste one year, but I was too weak and tired to study.'

The principal, Madam Ng Ngoing Keng, wrote to the Ministry of Education to appeal on behalf of Li Fang to delay her examinations by a year.

The Ministry agreed.

Madam Ng said: 'There was no way she could still sit for her exams in that condition.'

But that is not the only thing her school did for her.

Classmates from her former class and her teacher, Ms Jacinth Loh, organised a seven-day school bazaar late last year to raise money for Li Fang's hospital expenses.

Instead of going for holidays after the exams, the students helped prepare for the bazaar which was opened to the school, parents and alumni.

They made drinks and items like fishballs for sale.

They also got help from the school's parent support group (PSG).

Ms Winnie Chan, 44, who is in the PSG committee, said: 'We baked mooncakes in the school for one whole week and we sold about 300 boxes.'

Ms Chan also brought along a stack of novels and soft toys from home to sell to the students.

'I like to volunteer my time as it is a very enjoyable feeling for me to be able to help someone,' Ms Chan added.

Li Fang's classmates also specially created a powerpoint presentation featuring her ordeal to appeal for donations from the school.

In their presentation, they explained leukaemia and also included pictures of Li Fang's in hospital.

Her former class chairman, Saleha Shawal, who was one of the main organisers of the bazaar, said: 'I felt that it was the least I could do to help Li Fang as a friend.'

They managed to raise more than $2,000.

Li Fang has a brother and a sister.

Her sister, Ms Jamie Tan, 32, said: 'I was surprised by the school's gesture and it was very nice of them.

'As Li Fang's medical expenses are deducted from my brother's CPF and mine too because our parents have already retired, I will save this money for her education,' the trainee coordinator added.

Li Fang went into remission and recovered last November.

She returned to school this year to take her N level examinations.

She said: 'Although I wasted some time because of the treatment, at least I got to realise that the people around me are actually concerned about me.'