A BRAVE Prestwich youngster battling cancer giggled in her hospital bed — all thanks to fancy dress supporters seven miles away in Heaton Park.

Six-year-old Elle Tierney is currently undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma earlier this year.

To bring a smile to the youngster's face and raise money for a good cause, around 40 friends and family took part in a 5km fancy dress run in the park on Saturday morning.

The sun shone down on the runners of all ages who were decked out as fairytale characters complete with magic wands, tutus and tiaras.

Among those taking part was Elle's mother Stephanie and her two-year-old sister Isabel.

Elle's father, Paul Tierney, aged 32, of Highfield Road, Prestwich, said: "Everyone was sending through pictures of the run as it was happening and I was sat next to Elle at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. She was giggling and smiling at all the funny outfits.

"Stephanie and I were overwhelmed with how many people took part. It was a really special day and we want to thank everyone for their support," added Paul, who plays football for Prestwich Heys and whose brother Marc is currently with Bolton Wanderers.

Supporters have so far raised £8,260 for the Princess Elle Tierney Fund, which will support cancer research and help Elle and her family.

Elle has just finished her third course of chemotherapy and, when her blood count is higher, will begin the fourth course.

After that, doctors will perform tests to check if the cancer, which started in her neck, has been reduced.

Paul added: "The doctors warned us that the first two courses of chemotherapy would be the hardest and that Elle might struggle, but she battled hard and avoided having to go onto the high dependency unit.

"She has coped a lot better with the third course and is beginning to eat more.

"You can tell from her neck that the cancer is reducing and tests on lymph nodes in her stomach have indicated the same, but we won't know more until after the fourth course.

"We are hoping that Elle will be able to come home after that for a few days."

Elle is a huge fan of the animated film Frozen and her parents are hoping that Queen Elsa, from the movie, can visit her in hospital and that her garden can be turned into a princess's paradise

To make a donation: visit gofundme.com/PrincessElle