A FUND-RAISING appeal for a young celebral palsy sufferer has been so successful that her parents have been inspired to redouble their efforts.

Kathryn Whittle and Ian Laithwaite, of Greenbank, Barnoldswick, said they originally wanted to raise £5,000 -- enough to send their two-year-old daughter Elle-Mai to the Chance Institute in Cardiff.

But thanks to the kindness of locals and businesses in the area they want to continue with the fund-raising now they have reached their total in the hope that their daughter can prove doctors wrong and learn to walk and talk.

The centre caters for children who suffer from cerebral palsy by using ground-breaking techniques to help sufferers progress and even help them to walk and talk.

Elle-Mai will be travelling to Cardiff on Saturday with her mum to take part in a four-week long programme.

Kathryn said: "The amount of support we have had since we started the fund-raising has been overwhelming. All kinds of people have been offering to help, which has been lovely.

"Elle-mai is really looking forward to going to Cardiff.

"Every time I mention it to her she gets excited.

"We think this Institute is going to do her the world of good and we are hoping it will eventually help her to walk, which is why we will carry on the fund-raising."

Recently Pendle's Mayor, Coun Mohammad Iqbal, arranged his own charity event, clocking-up more than £1,000 for Elle-Mai.

Asda Colne are holding collections for the appeal and on Saturday held a barbecue, and now Marco Bell, of Colne, has offered to provide the family with "Drop Zone" -- an attraction for daredevils who are sponsored to do a 160ft free-fall into a net.

The event is taking place at the Bull and Butcher, Manchester Road, Burnley, on Sunday, August 3.

Anybody wanting to participate should have a £15 deposit or raise £100 or more in sponsorship to jump for free.

For more information and sponsor sheets contact Marco on 01282 705097.