COURAGEOUS Julie Montgomery is thanking her lucky stars after cheating a premature death.

And to show her continuing gratitude to the hospital which saved her life she has arranged a charitable date with three men and a little lady.

Four big talents from the show Stars in their Eyes, this week voted as the number one entertainment programme, are appearing on the Fylde stage to raise money for Birmingham's Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

The institution was the only one in Britain which could help Julie by correcting her spine which had mysteriously bent out of shape.

A metal halo was pinned to her head with more pins through her knees and weights attached to each end of her body.

During five weeks of treatment, her spine was gently stretched, adding two inches to her height.

She was warned the operation could leave her paralysed but treatment saved her from a deterioration which would have confined her to a wheelchair - and could have killed her.

Julie, of Kent Avenue, Cleveleys, said: "The hospital changed my life and my husband Derek thinks it is fantastic what they achieved.

"They have done wonders and I don't know how to thank them enough.

"I wanted to lay on a fund-raising concert using people from Stars in their Eyes and I am delighted these four people have decided to take part."

Garry Gibson, a remarkable John Lennon lookalike and soundalike, will be taking to the stage along with Cliff Richard - or is it his double, Jimmy Jemain?

Completing the line-up will be Jan Brett, who is an acclaimed Brenda Lee mimic and the evening's compere is Barrie Lucas from Butlins.

Julie's charity night is on November 14 at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood, and tickets costing £5 are available by calling 827989.

There will be a tombola, raffles and auctions with various prizes up for grabs.

It is only the latest in a series of fund-raising events for the hospital - and the Roscrea Hotel, where her husband is resident DJ and compere, has run a weekly raffle for the charity and has raised £550.

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