A GLITTERING 'butterfly' ball is being staged in memory of a brave nine-year-old from East Lancashire whose battle with ill health inspired family and friends.

No-one who met little Georgia Fourie could fail to have been touched by her struggle with cerebral palsy, curvature of the spine, epilepsy and blindness.

Ever since her death six years ago parents Mel and Tim, a former South African rugby league captain, of Dean Lane, Water, with the backing of staff at Holly Grove School in Burnley, have sought to keep her example going.

Georgia, who was also quadriplegic, faced a number of complications after Mel, a bank manager, fell ill with appendicitis, pneumonia and septicaemia during pregnancy.

The girl's funeral in March 2009 saw 120 pink balloons released to celebrate her life.

And the fund, now a registered charity, works to provide educational and social opportunities for children who, like Georgia, have special educational needs or disabilities, or their families and carers.

Katrina Meager, a fund trustee, said: "Our small charity is now registered, with Mel as one of the co-chairs, and she is organising an amazing ball to raise funds at Burnley FC."

Their keynote event for 2016 will be taking place on Saturday, April 23, with a champagne reception being held in the James Hargreaves Suite at Turf Moor, with guests so far confirmed including Rossendale comic Ted Robbins and TV presenter Robson Green.

Fellow trustee Eve Taylor, a Key Stage One manager at the school, said: "There is a three-course meal, raffle, huge sports memorabilia auction, live entertainment and plenty of glitz, sparkle and glamour."

Tickets for the ball are said to be selling fast and are available for £450 per table of 10, which includes the meal, entertainment, welcome drinks and complimentary wine on the table.

An appeal has been issued for local companies who may be able to provide prizes for the ball, with anyone interested in donating, or securing tickets, asked to call the school on 01282 682278.

There is also an online donations page at www.goldengiving.com/wall/the-georgia-fourie-butterfly-fund.