A LITTLE girl battling leukaemia touched the hearts of schoolpals her mum had not seen for 20 years — inspiring them to raise more than £2,000 for poorly children everywhere.

Former Tottington High School pupils got involved in organising a charity evening for the Make a Wish Foundation after hearing about five-year-old Molly Gill’s struggle with cancer.

Molly’s mum Kelly was contacted by old friend Paul Garvey on Facebook and the two joined forces with other friends and ex-pupils to organise a party at Tottington Conservative Club. To date, £2,247.05 has been raised — smashing a target of £1,500 — and collections are still taking place until Christmas.

Make a Wish Foundation grants wishes to children fighting life-threatening conditions, and princess-loving Molly hopes she might have a trip to Disneyland in Florida.

Mum Kelly, aged 36, of Holcombe Avenue, said: “The amount raised is a brilliant achievement and will go a long way to helping provide a poorly child with something to look forward to when their days are filled with endless hospital appointments, surgery and medication.

“Everyone had a lot of fun on the night including Molly and her cousins, who were all allowed to stay up later than usual to dance to the disco.

“Molly’s consultant won’t sign her off for travel abroad due to the stage of her treatment, but Make A Wish foundation will contact him again next year so fingers crossed, we will get there in the end.”

Molly, who attends Chantlers Primary School in Bury, was diagnosed with leukaemia in April and following an intensive course of chemotherapy earlier this year, currently has a good prognosis.

Mr Garvey, a mechanical fire engineer originally from Greenmount but now living in Castleton, was inspired to get in touch with Kelly.

He said: “I have thought really hard about this and I am absolutely sure there is nothing you can get for a tenner that is more satisfying than the thought you have helped a sick child have a wish granted.

“The night went really well — the venue was filled, people had a good time and everyone was really impressed with the band.

“I would really like to get our total up to £4,000, as this covers the cost of sending a family to Disneyland.”

For more information or to make a donation go here.