FUNDRAISERS in Darwen have pledged to raise £10,000 in 2007 to boost a child's cancer fight.

The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, is trying to raise £1million for a new-high tech MRI scanner.

And after hearing about local girl Madison Allan's battle last year, the Darwen Shop and Business Association launched a fundraising drive for the appeal.

Madison, two, is being treated by the hospital and would benefit from the new scanner.

In 2006, members of the association raised thousands of pounds and now they have pledged to raise £10,000 in the coming year to further boost the campaign.

Gill Kirkham, of Darwen Shop and Business Association, said members would take part in parachute jumps and abseiling in an attempt to reach the target by the end of next year.

The association started campaigning after hearing about brave Madison's 14-month battle with a large tumour on her back.

Mrs Kirkham said: "When we found out about Madison we wanted to use her as the focus for our fundraising. She's a star.

"We are pleased with the money we raised this year.

"It has been hard work but it is worth it.

"We will be holding a meeting in the new year to discuss the details of what fundraisers we will complete.

"I will be looking for sponsors to make this possible. We have to think of Madison and children like her who need our help."

Fundraisers for the Five Star Scanner Appeal in 2006 included a celebrity second birthday party for Madison.

The event at the Whitehall Hotel, earlier this year, named Darwen Night at the Oscars' raised more than £6,000 and is set to become an annual event.

Madison's mother, Samantha, 30, of Lords Crescent, Lower Darwen, feared her daughter would not see her second birthday after she was diagnosed with a large tumour at just 10 months old.

A biopsy discovered that the tumour was wrapped around nerves close to her spine which meant it was too dangerous to be operated on.

The nature of the tumour, called a neuroblastoma, meant her skin turned yellow, she lost a lot of weight and at one point she had pneumonia.

But earlier this year, after chemotherapy and a six-week stint in hospital, her family received the good news that the tumour had started to shrink.

Madison still visits the Salford hospital for regular check-ups and Samantha urged people to back the appeal which aims to improve treatment there.

The current scanner used to diagnose and monitor patients, must soon be replaced. The new machine will also be faster and quieter which the hospital says is better suited to working with very young children.