CHARITY champions are calling on families to help give young hospital patients a comfier Christmas - in memory of a brave seven-year-old.

Supporters of Maddi’s Butterflies, the cause inspired by courageous Madison Allan, who died eight years ago after battling neuroblastoma, collected 1,100 pairs of pyjamas last year.

And now the Prestwich-based charity's supporters are hoping to beat all previous efforts as they aim to ensure every child oncology patient receives new night attire over the festive season.

Samantha Allan, Madison’s mum, said: “We are looking for pyjamas for babies and up to 16-years-old.

"The pyjamas have to be new and we will wrap them ourselves before handing them over to the hospital.

“Some of the children may be on steroid treatments so we are also looking at some of the smaller ladies sizes as well.”

Their beneficiary is the oncology unit at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, which looks after youngsters with cancer across the Bury area.

A deadline of December 2 has been set to enable the final haul to be properly packaged up and sent off.

She added: “The charity is really, really busy, through the year, with our shop funding a lot of the work.”

Respite breaks are offered to families at their dedicated caravan at Ribby Hall and the organisation also works to grant special wishes for young cancer patients and their families.

Donations can be dropped off at the charity's shop, in the Longfield Shopping Centre, or posted to Maddi's Butterflies, 446 Bury New Road, Prestwich, M25 1AZ.

The charity can also be e-mailed at samantha@maddisbutterflies.org.uk

Drop-off points for the pyjamas appeal have been arranged at several locations in East Lancashire, including branches of Lloyd’s Bank in Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Clitheroe and Burnley.