A SEVEN-year-old girl from Prestwich has persuaded sport and TV stars to swing into action for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Melanie Cleary, of Downham Crescent, has been chosen to front a sponsored abseil at Old Trafford which she hopes will raise more than £90,000 for the trust's gene therapy research project.

The trust currently has a £15 million campaign to try to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis and hopes to ensure a healthy future for youngsters like Melanie who suffer from this devastating disease.

Brave Melanie was born with the inherited condition due to one faulty gene from each of her parents, Mike and Karen.

Mike (36), who is a boxing photographer, said: "We were advised to put Melanie on the maximum milk formula and after two months she weighed less than when she was born. That's when we started to get worried."

The tot developed a nasty cough, similar to whooping cough, and was taken to hospital for tests where she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.

Mike and Karen were told that it was a terminal illness and that Melanie, a pupil at St Philip's Primary in Sedgley Park, could have a life expectancy of 30 years.

"At first we went into a bit of mourning," said Mike, "It's a dramatic life change but then you get over it and get on with things. Melanie is not unlike most children in terms of what she is able to do."

Just recently, the family suffered a setback after it was discovered Melanie's liver was under stress and she is now waiting to see a specialist in September.

Mike said: "When we heard about the liver problems it hit us quite hard. It is a terrible disease. If we can raise the £15 million in five years then there is a chance of taking away the life-threatening element".

Through his sporting contacts, Mike has lined up a host of guests for a 100ft abseil down the East Stand at Old Trafford on September 4 and 5, including actor Will Mellor, boxers Ricky Hatton, Jamie Moore, Steve Foster Jr, Michael Brodie and Anthony Farnell.

He also hopes to set up a tug-o-war between the lads and players from Wigan RLFC.

To take part in the abseil contact the Cystic Fibrosis Trust events hotline on 0208 290 7904 or email events@cftrust.org.uk