THE family and friends of a little girl who has made a remarkable recovery from a brain tumour are planning a mass fund-raising fancy dress walk to say a heartfelt thank you' to the people who helped her.

Milly Wilson was just a tot of two when doctors discovered a life-threatening 7cm by 5cm tumour and she underwent emergency surgery at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

"I could not see beyond that week," said Annette Wilson, Milly's mum.

"I did not hold out much hope to be honest. It was a miracle the fact that she's just so normal now it's so fantastic."

Milly was in hospital for two months, and during that time Mrs Wilson, from Kendal, gave birth to her third daughter, Connie. The hospital staff let Connie and her mum stay with Milly while she recovered.

"All the staff down there were so fantastic, we are just so very grateful," she said.

Milly, who is now five and in the reception class at Stramongate School, is doing well and learning to use her left hand because of a slight weakness on one side.

Half the money from the lively walk will go to the hospital, while the other half will be for the When You Wish Upon a Star charity, which makes dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses.

The charity paid for Milly and Mrs Wilson to visit Lapland, where they had a fantastic time and met television stars like Julie Hesmondhalgh from Coronation Street.

Mrs Wilson and her sister, Heidi Parkman, came up with a "Wacky Races" themed walk as a way of raising cash to buy a piece of equipment for the hospital, and to treat another child to a trip like Milly's Lapland adventure.

The idea has snowballed to the extent that around 60 people are now signed up for the two-mile walk on Brighton prom on Sunday, June 8. Skateboarding, cycling, walking backwards, three-legged walking, and roller-skating are just some of the modes of transport that will be used.

A samba band will be joining in to add to the carnival atmosphere, as will elderly neighbours, tots and a host of friends. Milly's mum and dad Annette and Keith, and sisters Connie, three, and ten-year-old Eleni are all taking part.

Milly's aunt, Heidi Parkman, said the idea behind the walk was to "give a little help to save a little life".

"During the operation they did not know whether she would be brain damaged and be able to walk again. She's made an amazing recovery.

"We just want to make it possible for another child to go to Lapland or buy equipment to help another child's life to be saved."

Julie Hesmondhalgh, who has stayed in touch with the family, has already made a donation, as have Kendal Cricket Club and Cumbria Books.

Donations can be made to Wacky Walk at HSBC account no 21327623 sort code 40-41-28 or by calling Mr and Mrs Wilson on 01539-731003.

May 9, 2003 11:00