FUND-RAISERS are hoping to put a smile on the face of an eight-year-old girl who is suffering from a painful illness.

Brave Tara Wilson, of Oswaldtwistle, has endured the pain of pancreatitis since she was diagnosed with the condition five years ago.

Now Tara's mum Gwen and her friends have launched a charity campaign to ease the pain for the St Mary's school pupil and other victims of the disease.

The Hyndburn branch of the Manchester-based Pancreatitis Support Group is hoping to raise enough cash to buy nine mobile treatment units.

The TENS machines help ease the crippling pain caused by the illness by passing small electric currents through the body. The kind-hearted crew has already held a pub crawl and a ladies' night at Sydney Street Working Men's Club, Accrington, to raise funds.

Gwen said: "The disease causes inflammation of the pancreas and the pain comes in waves.

"Tara is on permanent medication and has treatment in the specialist unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

"The TENS units work by placing pads over the ribs and sending electricity through the body, which eases the pain.

"We've bought nine machines so that people can borrow them from the hospital and we're looking to get more.

"We have already raised more than £200 on a sponsored pub crawl and think we should have about £350 after the cabaret night.

"Anything we raise goes to the charity's funds in Manchester."

Anyone who would like to contribute toward the support group can call Gwen Wilson on 01254 389480.

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