TRAFFORD's former young citizen of the year has handed over a cheque to help sick children.

Kirsty Ashton, who suffers from neurofibromatosis, which causes internal tumours and spine curvature, raised £65,000 to help send 100 children to meet Santa in Lapland, in December.

Trafford College student Kirsty presented the cheque to the When You Wish Upon A Star' team with former X-Factor finalists Eton Road'.

The £23,000 she raised by holding a formal Valentines ball at the Radisson SAS Hotel at Manchester Airport helped her reach the £65,000 total.

Kirsty said: "I was inspired by my own trip to Lapland and I wanted to make the same dream come true for other poorly children while they still have some quality of life to enjoy the experience. When You Wish Upon A Star grants wishes for sick and terminally ill children, and I have had a wish granted for how well I cope with my illness."

Kirsty's fundraising is far from finished, and her next target is to raise a further £60,000 to send 30 children and their families on a five-day holiday to Centre Parcs.

To help reach her target she will be hosting a 1940s night at the King George pub in Altrincham on Saturday, April 26, where entry will be free.

For further information or to help with raffle items, contact Kirsty through her website at www.kirstysstory.co.uk.

by Michael Phillips