PUPILS at a Middlewich school have been rallying round to raise money for charity to help people in the same position as their pal Danielle Vernon, who has leukaemia.

Children at Wimboldsley Primary have been coming up with a variety of ideas to collect cash for Danielle's chosen charities - the Macmillan Nurses, The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and the Malcolm Sergeant Fund.

Danielle, aged six, who lives in Crewe, was diagnosed with leukaemia three years ago and is currently receiving chemotherapy and treatment for her condition at Pendlebury Hospital in Manchester.

Kind-hearted pupils have organised a sponsored dog walk, a non-uniform day, a cake stall at break-time, a family fun day and raffles. A total of £200 has been raised so far.

Headteacher Dorothy Henderson said: "A nurse from Danielle's hospital came in to talk to the children about leukaemia.

"It helped them to understand a bit about it. Since then, various pupils have come up with ideas of their own to raise money for what we call The Danielle Fund for Children with Leukaemia.

"We've also got a big prize draw coming up on October 25 which has been organised by one pupil's father."

Danielle's mum, Diane added: "We first discovered Danielle had leukaemia in 1995. Since then she has been treated at Pendlebury Hospital in Manchester.

"We have a fund for Danielle which we donate to our three chosen charities. I'm really delighted with the fund-raising help from the school. It's brilliant."

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