Marvellous Millie dazzles charity diners

Photo: Sharon Graham

GIVE us a kiss . . . Millie Moran and mum Emma Clarke

IT was finally time to shine for Millie Moran who melted dozens of hearts as the belle of her own ball amid fundraising efforts to send her on a magical trip to Disney World Florida.

Organised by devoted gran Vicky Shaw, a Grand Charity Dinner was held at St Herbert's Parish Centre, in Chadderton, on Friday, to help turn the Disney dream into a reality for the adorable five-year-old who has faced a lifetime of incredible medical challenges.

Since the Chronicle revealed how Vicky had vowed to send Millie, from Moorside, on the holiday of a lifetime ­- after the youngster came back from the brink of death following a chronic lung infection last year ­- dozens of local businesses and residents have pitched in to help.

Rare

For Millie ­- who has endured more than 30 operations after being born with a rare form of spina bifida and hydrocephalus and suffers from epilepsy, chronic lung disease and is paralysed from the waist down ­- the event was a chance to dress like a princess and meet some of the kind-hearted Oldhamers who have gone over and above to help their crusade.

Raffles, auctions and donations boosted the fund ­- which has a £10,000 target ­- by over £2,700 and Vicky says she couldn't have done it without the help of some many local people and businesses.

"It was a fantastic night," said Vicky, from Springhead.

"Millie absolutely loved it and she was able to wheel herself around all the tables and chat to people. People kept coming up to me and saying the love from that child is unbelievable. She touched everyone in the room.

"There are so many people I want to thank for helping us pull the event together, from the St Herbert's Hall committee who gave us the venue for free to compere Braddy Bradshaw who also waived his fee. Him and singer Scott Cooper were amazing and really brought the evening to life. I also want to thank the public who've really supported us."

Oldham photographer Sharon Graham and Mossley photographer Jude Gidney volunteered their services for the event, Team Spirit, in Greenfield, donated Millie's name in balloons and INKcomparable printers did flyers, posters and menus free of charge.

The fund now stands at around £7,000 and Vicky is planning more fundraising events in the hope she and Millie's mum Emma Clarke will be able to take the trip next April or May.

"It's the time of year when Millie starts to become prone to infections so that's always a worry," said Vicky.

"She has to be intensive care free for 12 months for us to take her and she's been doing so well. She even had her oxygen reduced because her lungs have got stronger and we're hoping she'll be off it altogether soon. Fingers crossed she'll be OK to go in the spring."