A CHARITY event is to take place in Oswaldtwistle to raise money for a little girl who is fighting a battle against a critical illness.

Sixteen-month-old Madison Kennedy-Finglas suffers from rare Scimitar Syndrome, which causes a malformation of the lungs, and bronchomalacia, which causes the airways of the lungs to narrow and collapse while exhaling.

Madison, who has only seen her home in Sharples Street, Accrington, once, depends on a respirator at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool.

But her parents Lee Finglas and Danielle Kennedy, along with her big brother Dylan, are hoping to have her home soon providing her condition is stable.

Their lowest point came last spring when her parents were told by doctors that she did not have long to live. But the little battler pulled through the crisis and carried on fighting.

A whole host of entertainment will be on offer at Oswaldtwistle Conservative Club next Friday to raise money for the hospital which cares for Madison.

Two Accrington DJs have offered their services and will play a variety of music, including hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s along with soul. Local band BTS will also be performing and a raffle with prizes donated by Oswaldtwistle businesses will boost funds.

Linda Morris, who works at the Hyndburn Used Furniture Store, is organising the event to raise funds for Ronald MacDonald House at Alder Hey, which provides accommodation for families of patients so that they can stay close to their children.

Linda said: "I’ve known Madison’s grandma Colleen since we went to school.

"My own daughter was in intensive care briefly and I can’t imagine Madison’s family having to live with that every day. It must be a nightmare. Every day must be a challenge for them.

"I promised them I would get on my feet and do something and I’ve kept my promise."

Linda also hopes that if Madison is allowed home, the council will help her parents to find suitable accommodation and to supply her home with vital oxygen equipment.

She said: "Local businesses are really supporting us and Barclays Bank made a very generous offer to match what we raise.

"I’m hoping if the event goes well we could schedule a monthly soul night too, as there is nowhere to go in this area any more."

Denise Byrne, fund-raising administrator at Alder Hey, will travel from Liverpool for the event, which will run from 8pm to 2am. Tickets costing £2 are available at the Hyndburn Used Furniture Store, Unit 1, Fairfield Street, or you can call the store on 393784.