CHILDREN had an afternoon in wonderland to raise money in memory of a young girl who lost her battle with cancer.

Evolution Childcare in Blackburn held an Alice In Wonderland themed afternoon tea party to raise funds for the neuroblastoma cancer charity in memory of four-year-old Jessica Whelan.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The youngster fought the rare cancer neuroblastoma and hit national headlines when her dad Andy Whelan shared a picture of her in the latter stages of her illness to highlight ‘the real face of cancer’.

Around 30 children attended the event at the Shadsworth nursery and more than £100 was raised which will be donated to charity.

Manager Sarah Fox said: “It was brilliant, it was such a good day. It was fantastic that the children were able to get involved and take part.

“They absolutely loved it, they were buzzing all afternoon.

“The parents were so supportive, they were brilliant yet again, they always are for us.

“These sort of events just bring everyone together young and old, it was a really well supported day.

The vintage style tea party feature a visit from Alice and the Mad Hatter and street dancers also came along to perform for the children.

Money was also raised through a large raffle which included prizes from local businesses and restaurants.

All the funds raised will be given to the charity Neuroblastoma UK in Jessica’s name.

Mrs Fox said: “We just felt it was a great cause to raise money for. Children are a similar age to Jessica. She is a local girl and and it just fit in perfectly that we raised money for her.”