THE tragic death of toddler Gabrielle Davies has touched the hearts of East Lancashire people and led to a huge response to a charity appeal.

Almost £1,700 has been given to a fund set up in memory of the Accrington youngster who died from a rare form of cancer four weeks ago.

Gabrielle's parents, Tina and Richard, have both been stunned by the generosity of friends and strangers alike.

A teenager who knew Gabrielle even donated his treasured Blackburn Rovers signed football to be auctioned at a charity event.

The grieving couple, who live in Oswald Street, have also been presented with a signed Lancashire Cricket Club shirt and a whole range of fund raising events have being organised.

Tina and Richard, both 28, set up the appeal four weeks ago to raise much need money for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital at Pendlebury where Gabrielle was treated.

Richard has decided to do his bit for the appeal and the 28-year-old office manager has agreed to have his legs waxed.

Tina, 28, said: "We have both been amazed by the amount of money people have sent us. "Gabrielle was one of those little girls everyone loved and we are a well-known couple in Accrington.

"But we have had donations from people who we have never even met. The money has just not stopped coming."

Hundreds turned out for Gabrielle's funeral service at St Anne's RC Church, Accrington.

The Davies family decided not to wear black at the ceremony and Gabrielle's body was taken to Accrington cemetery in a bright yellow car instead of a hearse.

The couple are keeping in touch with the children's hospital and will ask staff where to spend the cash.

A fund-raiser will be held at the Old Band Club, in Victoria Street, on Wednesday, February 21, and tickets for the event cost £2.

A charity party for children and adults is also being arranged for October at Poplar WMC in Wellington Street.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can pay into a special account at the Accrington branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

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