THOUSANDS of pounds are expected to pour into a charity appeal in memory of a toddler who died from a rare form of cancer.

The death of two-year-old Gabrielle Davies, from Accrington, has led to a huge response to an appeal set up by her parents.

And in the latest event, about 100 keep-fit enthusiasts took part in a four hour long "Quadrathon" event at Shadsworth Leisure Centre, Blackburn. The organisers are still counting the cash but the final total is expected to be well over £2,000.

If the predictions are right, a staggering £5,000 will have been raised for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, in just two months.

Gabrielle's parents, Tina and Richard Davies, of Oswald Street, Accrington, want to donate the money to make children staying at the hospital more comfortable.

The entrants in the "Quadrathon" put themselves through a series of challenges including a four-mile run and exercise classes.

Staff at Senator furniture makers, Huncoat, and members of aerobics classes held at the Shadsworth staged the event.

Organiser Michelle McDonald said: "We are still trying to work out how much was raised but at the moment it is looking very promising.

"Most of the people who took part collected between £50 and £100 in sponsorship and we think we have raised well over £1,000."

Other events lined up include a sponsored pub crawl and a children's party at Poplar WMC in Wellington Street, Accrington.

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