A grandmother has been overwhelmed at the generosity of West Cumbrians who have responded to her heartfelt plea to help her sick granddaughter.

Debbie McGee launched an appeal last month to pay for two-year-old Hollie Hodgson, of Dearham, to visit Disneyland once she has finished treatment for leukaemia.

The response has been phenomenal, Mrs McGee said, and the appeal is now less than £800 short of the £3,000 target she set.

She said: "Hollie has been so ill and I want her and her family to have something to look forward to.

"It will be Christmas 2018 before her treatment is finished but she will be older then and better able to enjoy the experience."

Sadly the family is facing Christmas without Hollie at home this year.

She developed bronchitis and was taken into the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

She was discharged and the family was looking forward Christmas together.

However, Hollie since came down with Norovirus and was admitted to the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.

Mrs McGee said she was transferred back to the Royal Victoria Infirmary yesterday.

"We don't know what we will do on Christmas Day. It depends on how she is.

"There are also the other children to consider. We have to make sure they have a good Christmas too. This has been hard on all the family."

To donate to the Disney fund, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/debbie-mcgee