Ellie Bishop's bravery has been recognised at the Pride of Britain awards - Ellie is truly a Child of Courage.

Brave Ellie Bishop, aged seven, was diagnosed with meningitis in February 2006 & has since had both of her legs, one of her arms & most of her hand amputated as a result. Ellie & her father Paul lived, until recently, on a narrow boat (canal barge) in the Black Country. The Ellie Bishop Trust was established in September 2006 to purchase & convert a bungalow for Ellie in Rowley Regis – Ellie can now enjoy having a garden to play in as well as having a secure future. The trust has already raised around £77,000 but we need your help & generosity to reach our target of £130,000 to ensure that Ellie gets the best possible future.

We are pleased to announce that Baroness Verma has agreed to become a trustee, that Lloyds TSB have agreed to provide an interest free mortgage & that the Variety Club of Great Britain have provided Ellie's new electric wheelchair.

	Manchester United Football Club generously donated a first team signed football complete with certificate of authenticity which was auctioned with all proceeds going to the Trust. The MUFC Nike football signed by Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Alex Ferguson et al was bought for £550 by James Bibby of Bibby Commercials in Warrington, Cheshire – thanks for your generosity!
	We also auctioned a WBAFC signed football which was bought by David Morgan of Keltruck & a WBAFC signed shirt which was bought by Sidney Ashfield of Swinton, Manchester – thanks to both for their generosity!
	The Reco Group of Companies kindly donated a personalised, signed photograph of Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton which was auctioned with all proceeds going to the Trust. The photo was bought for £56 by Dawn Mason of Dudley, West Midlands – thanks for your generosity!

The trustees, in association with the Young Ones & their guests, staged a hugely successful pantomime, Cinderella, introduced by Black Country comedian Tommy Mundon at the Netherton Arts Centre in Netherton, Dudley on Saturday 20 January. All proceeds went directly to the Trust with around £5,000 raised on the night. See Ellie's photo gallery for photos!

Click here for Ellie's regularly updated photo gallery or click here for photos of Ellie's half term trip to EuroDisney with her father, Paul, in October 2006.

Thanks & regards,

CHRIS KELLY
Chairman, The Ellie Bishop Trust