A LOYAL sister is putting the finishing touches on a winter wonderland fundraiser held in honour of her wheelchair-bound brother.

Lauren Warwick, aged 25 and from Whitefield, is hosting the charity event at Radcliffe Borough FC to raise money for Whizz-Kidz – a cause brother Dean holds dear.

Dean, aged 24, of Countess Lane, Radcliffe, lost the use of his legs when he was 22 after being diagnosed with snapping hip syndrome and is now in a wheelchair permanently.

After a failed operation, doctors told Dean his condition would never be cured and he is desperate to support Whizz-Kidz, a charity which provides children with mobility equipment and wheelchairs.

Due to his ill health, sister Lauren has taken on the challenge of organising the event at the football club at Stainton Park this Sunday.

Lauren said: “Dean was totally the inspiration behind it this event – he told me he wished he could do something for charity but he can’t run or walk.

“I told him if he wanted to raise money I would organise the event on his behalf – we are very close and he’s my best friend.

“It would mean a lot to Dean to help other kids with lifelong conditions and there is no target, we just want to raise whatever we can.”

The event will feature face painting, festive stalls, a raffle and auction, Christmas carols, a performance from ActiveDance, a Father Christmas grotto, Shetland pony rides, Crocodile Joe and his reptile show, a funfair and DJs.

Dean said: “The news I was never going to be able to walk again hit me hard.

“It was tough knowing I would never kick a football around with my three-year-old son Lucca and wife Stacey.

“I wanted to help other kids and give something back because I struggle still after two years and without that vital equipment it is hard to go about your daily life.”

The winter wonderland will take place between 12pm and 5pm and tickets are £2 per person.

For more information or to buy tickets: call Lauren on 07712220893 or go to justgiving.com/Dean-Warwick