Brave Elliott's Disney dream

'LITTLE soldier' . . . Elliott Ardill

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A "VERY happy cheeky chappy" diagnosed with cancer is hoping to have his dream of going to Disney Land Paris come true.

"Little soldier" Elliott Ardill (6), who attends Woodhouses Voluntary Primary School, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia in November.

Elliott was first admitted to the Royal Oldham Hospital and then transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital to undergo chemotherapy treatment.

The brave "Spiderman" fan, from Bardsley, has started to lose his hair and has lost just under two stones.

In a huge effort to send Elliott on his once-in-a-lifetime trip, more than £1,340 has been raised through a GoFundMe page, A Wish for Elliott. His school, in Ashton Road, held a "big breakfast" fundraiser towards Elliot's trip. Food donations were provided by local supermarkets.

There were football boots signed by Manchester United's Michael Carrick, as well as a a signed Manchester City football shirt, donated by Stockton's Furniture, in Manchester, to be won as a prize.

Elliot's mum Chelsea Limerick (25), who attended the big breakfast, was touched by the support she has received. Elliot's teachers visit him in hospital on a weekly basis.

Chelsea said: "It's so cute. It's just nice of them.

"The school have been brilliant. I couldn't ask for a better school. They have been brilliant with Elliot before this.

"He's caught the Norovirus. He's malnourished and dehydrated.

"But he will come back from this.

"He was very giddy, just a typical six-year-old boy."

Dad Chris Ardill, who plans to have his head shaved for the cause, added: "I just want to be there and be strong for him.

"I want to be there for him through this.

"It's really shocked us but we are taking it day by day."

Headteacher Rachel Bentham explained that a Christmas tree at Oldham Parish Church had been decorated in Elliot's name, with donations going towards his appeal.

The big breakfast raised more than £800 for Elliot.

Mrs Bentham said: "Elliot is a kind, loving boy who started our school last year. Since his diagnoses we have kept in regular contact with his family and have visited him the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on a weekly basis.

"We are all extremely sad to hear that Elliot's treatment hasn't been successful so far but we know he is a fighter and he, and his family, will be in our thoughts and prayers as he takes on the next challenge of further chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

"I would like to thank all the pupils, staff, parents and members of the local community who attended the event.

"We were so pleased when we realised we had raised over £800 in two hours."

Elliot's auntie Kylie Millward, from Saddleworth, who set up the fundraising page for Elliot, said: "Myself and his mother Chelsea would like to ask all his family and friends for a small contribution towards making a dream come true and to be able to send him to Disney Land Paris when he gets better.

"We can't say how long this will take so there is no deadline.

"Elliott is a very happy cheeky chappy - unless he doesn't get what he wants - but always knows how to put a smile on our faces.

"He and his family have had a very hard couple of years and now have another huge mountain to climb but with the love of family and friends their journey should be a little more bearable.

"Anything you can spare however little will be much appreciated to make Elliott's dream come true."

Auntie Sammi Gallier from Failsworth added: "It would be amazing for him to go to Disney Land.

"He's had a rough year from the start.

"He lost his niece, my daughter, in February, his nana in August and then fell poorly himself.

"He would love to go and meet all the characters - he loves them all."

Ms Gallier has set up a secondary GoFundMe page to donate £500 to the ward where Elliott is receiving his treatment.

She added: "The diagnosis has crumbled the whole family.

"He's such a bright boy.

"Please can we hit the £500 mark and show Elliott that you're all supporting him."

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/a-wish-for-elliott or www.gofundme.com/elliotts-trust.