A FAMILY from Scotland are hoping North-East folk will dig deep to help make their daughter's dream come true - before cancer claims her life.

Four-year-old Emily Guiney has a malignant tumour which has resisted all conventional treatment and, after two major operations and courses of chemotherapy, doctors have been left with no option but to halt further attempts to save her life.

Her family are still praying for a medical miracle, but, without one, Emily has been given between two and six months to live.

Although Emily knows she is ill, grandmother Maggie Guiney, who lives in Richmond, North Yorkshire, says she has remained cheerful throughout her ordeal.

And, to reward Emily for her bravery, the family - who live in Stevenston, in Ayrshire - are hoping to fly her to Disney World for what may be the last holiday they share together.

"We have already started a fundraising appeal at the nursing home where I work," said Mrs Guiney.

"Some of the staff have gone on sponsored diets and we've already been lucky enough to receive donations from one or two people.

"However, we need as much help as we can get and we have produced posters which we will be putting up in pubs and clubs around the area, asking other people if they can help."

Anyone who would like to contribute can contact the Nightingale Hall Nursing Home, in Richmond's Garden Village, which is helping to coordinate the campaign.

Money raised will help cover the cost of flights to America and accommodation for Emily, her mother and partner, and sister Ashley, as well as Mrs Guiney.

More details are available by telephoning (01748) 823003.