Darwen nursery steps out for Madison fund (From This Is Lancashire)

Darwen nursery steps out for Madison fund

12:26pm Thursday 9th September 2010 in

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MADISON Allan's former nursery school in Darwen is spearheading a fundraising drive – as her family said the cancer had spread further.

Fundraisers from Marshmallows Day Nursery, Marsh House Lane, took part in a sponsored walk to raise cash for the five-year-old Lower Darwen School pupil who is battling a rare form of childhood cancer.

Babies in buggies, toddlers and pre-school children took part in the event, including Madison’s one-year-old sister, Scarlett, who also attends the nursery.

Julia Crook, manager at Marshmallows, said Madison was a pleasure to care for while she was there. “Madison came here when she was first diagnosed with the tumour and it is such a devastating thing to happen to a lovely girl.”

“She was a pleasure to look after and we will continue to show her support.”

Madison is currently receiving treatment in Germany made possible after a £47,000 fundraising campaign.

Yesterday her uncle, Simon Foster, said the family had been told the cancer had spread to her liver.

Doctors told the family last week that the rare spaghetti-like tumour which started in Madison’s stomach, had spread to her bones.

Mr Foster added: “Madison’s condition is very up and down but this week she has been able to enjoy a walk in her wheelchair outside the hospital.

We are all focusing on her birthday next month and making that as special as we can.”

As part of the new fundraising, the children from Marshmallows walked from the nursery to Blacksnape park.

Staff also did a second sponsored walk from Darwen to Blackburn in fancy dress.

Funds are still comig in.

Julia added: “The staff were close to Madison and we all want to help as much as possible.”

Last year, the nursery raised £3,344 for Manchester's £1m Five Star Scanner Appeal for an MRI scanner.