More than £8,000 has been raised since the Observer started a campaign to help terminally-ill toddler Tess Sullivan.

Tess’s parents Helen and Steve have been overwhelmed since going public with their plight to give their three year-old daughter as many magical memories as possible.

They have thanked the community for giving them ‘strength to look forward’ after the donation total toppled £8,000.

Helen, 31, who lives in Huncoat with husband Steve, Tess, three and her brothers Tyler, 12, and Max, one, said: "We feel very humbled by it all - that so many people have taken Tess to their hearts. To get so many people taking an interest in my little girl is so heartwarming.

"A lot of people have said it has helped them put things into perspective.

"It has given us strength and drive to look positively into the future knowing there are a lot of happy times ahead of us, as we prefer to stay away from the negatives."

Brave Tess is one of only 50 infants in the world to have Alexander disease - a degenerative disorder.

She has already undergone surgery to remove parts of her skull after being diagnosed with pressure to the brain.

Sufferers lose their mobility, eyesight and the ability to chew and swallow.

Since the Observer and its sister paper the Rossendale Free Press launched the campaign in August people far and wide have dug deep for the Sullivans.

Oxford United football fans have raised more than £3,500, £2,300 was raised after a work colleague of Helen’s did a skydive, a collection at an Accrington Stanley match raised £1,500, a bag pack in Rawtenstall Asda saw £1,500 raised and numerous individual donations have supported the cause.

Because of that, the Sullivans will head to Lapland for a break and are creating a sensory bedroom for Tess. And thanks to community fundraisers the family will enjoy a Disney Cruise holiday next year.

Meanwhile, Helen says Tess is enjoying life at White Ash Specialist School in Oswaldtwistle.

You can donate to the Sullivan family in aid of Tess through the Paypal account 73HFRARXZJ3TG in the name of Helen Sullivan and the email address helensullivan@hotmail.co.uk.

You can also donate by making cheques payable to Helen Sullivan C/O St Peter’s Primary School, St Peter’s Road, Newchurch, Rossendale, Lancashire.

For more information on Tess’s story see the ‘Help Tess Sullivan’ group on Facebook.