FAMOUS personalities are helping to raise funds in memory of a Warrington woman who is thought to be the first person in the UK to die of Evans Syndrome.

Lou Ellis was 26 when she died and now her sister-in-law, Michelle Aspinall, of Oakwood, has set up the PISCES Research Trust, which stands for People in Search of a Cure for Evans Syndrome.

The organisation aims to raise money to find a cure for the condition, which causes the body to create antibodies which destroy the red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells.

Symptoms vary case by case but can cause weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath or can cause patients to suffer bleeding and major bruising from minor bumps and cuts. In other cases patients can become susceptible to infections and suffer difficulty in fighting them.

Lou died six weeks after contracting the illness.

Now Michelle is planning an Easter disco and auction, which includes a wide selection of stars' autographs and donated goodies.

Among the items on offer are signed CDs by Elton John and the Backstreet Boys and autographs from Chris Tarrant, the casts of EastEnders and Emmerdale, plus signed footballs and team photos from Everton Football Club.

Lou's father is former Warrington Rugby League groundsman Roy Aspinall and many club players are putting in guest appearances at the disco and donating items.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 14, at the Tetley Walker Club on Long Lane, Orford. For more information, call Michelle on 826221 or e-mail her at michelleaspinall@hotmail.com.