A TERMINALLY-ILL bridegroom has asked guests to his wedding for donations to increase a five-year-old girl’s chances of surviving a rare cancer.

Former Wensleydale gamekeeper Dave Craddock, 66, and his partner of 14 years Carol McNally said they although they had never met Fraja Simpson, of Leeming, North Yorkshire, they hoped funds raised at their wedding yesterday would help in her fight against neuroblastoma with MYCN amplification.

The family of the Leeming RAF Community Primary School pupil have less than four months to raise £500,000 to fund treatment in the US to reduce her chances of a relapse.

Ms McNally, 52, who works at country pursuits shop Gilsan Sports, in Leyburn, said they felt bound together in Fraja’s battle after Mr Craddock was diagnosed with liver cancer in March and as they have a four-year-old granddaughter.

Before their wedding ceremony yesterday at Thornborough Hall, Leyburn, she said: “Although I don’t know the little girl, I can see how her family are feeling because I am feeling the same. It is devastating.

“Dave really wanted to get married before things deteriorate, as for him there is no operation or magic cure.

“As we have a lot of friends who wanted to get us something, we wanted to raise funds that would give Fraja a little bit more of a chance.”

The couple’s fundraising drive came as Fraja returned home from Leeds General Infirmary after completing a round of stem cell harvesting, ahead of a complex and risky operation to remove the cancerous tumour she has named Bob.

Her mother, Michelle, said Fraja had found the tubes in her neck uncomfortable, which were removed without a general anaesthetic.

She said: “It wasn’t long before Fraja was back to beaming her beautiful smile.”

Supporters of the fundraising drive said next weekend would be key, as the Wensleydale Railway would give all its donations for rides on Saturday, March 18 to the Fraja Ellie Appeal.

On the same day from 1pm to 4pm in Consett, where Fraja’s father, Garry comes from, the Buzzy Bees fundraisers will hold a family fun day at the Castleside Club.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend an auction, a cabaret and game show led by Lee Brannigan and music by the Riff Hunters at the club from 7pm.

Other upcoming events raising funds for the appeal, include Catterick Summer Fete on Saturday, August 3, and a show by operatic tenor Austin Gunn and the Leadgate Gleemen male voice choir at St Patrick's Church Hall, Consett, on June 1.

For details about the campaign or to donate, visit facebook.com/frajaellieappeal