A FIVE-year-old Brierfield girl is leading the charge to raise hundreds of pounds for one of Britain’s most common life-threatening conditions.

Little cheerleader Tegan-Kai Ellis has called on her team-mates from Shell’s Belles to support her fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust on Sunday.

The Holy Trinity primary pupil, of Quaker’s View, has not let the illness hold her back, enjoying her turns with the cheerleading outfit, trampolining and youth theatre.

And with the help of fundraisers Tegan-Kai, alongside sisters Caitlin-Skye, aged nine, and six-year-old Tanith-Jade, will attempt to help the trust with funds for more research into a cure for the condition.

Chiefly the illness affects the lungs and digestive system, causing mucus to build up on a sufferer’s chest, often leading to infections and causing difficulties with eating.

Tegan’s mum Emma, said her daughter undergoes two sessions of physiotherapy daily and takes a combination of 50 to 100 tablets to regulate her condition.

She said: “This has been a regular life for her since she was born. But fortunately she has been well and it has not affected her as much as others.

“It is one of those illnesses that does not prevent children from taking part in things so she does cheerleading, trampolining and goes to youth theatre. The more actual exercise she does the better.”

The Ellis family are veteran charity champions, with Emma and husband David having taken part in the Great North Run.

Tegan took part in the mile-long Mini Great North Run, running with Emmerdale actor Tony Audenshaw, alias Bob Hope. David has also secured a place in the 2011 London Marathon.

He said: “Tegan loves cheerleading, and it’s really good for her as it helps to clear her lungs and keep her fit and healthy. We’re hoping lots of people turn up to the sale and part with their hard-earned cash!”

The charity event will take place at Shell’s Belles base in Plumbe Street, Burnley, from 11am on Sunday, and features a tombola and book, cake and bric-a-brac stalls, with a raffle and fake tattoos. An appeal will also run for new costumes for the troupe.