TEAM Ellie has officially kicked up a gear with a growing number of local businesses and members of the community pledging their support.

In last week's Free Press we reported on the plight of four-year-old Eloise Lawn who is currently undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Lymphoma in January.

The brave youngster from Leechpool, near Portskewett, is nearing completion of her second round of chemotherapy in the Children's Hospital for Wales in Cardiff. Speaking to the Free Press, her parents Suzanne and Jim told of how the support they were receiving from friends and the local community had been overwhelming and also praised children's cancer charities such as the Noah's Ark Appeal, for the invaluable help they were providing.

This has compelled a growing number of the Lawn family's friends to launch 'Team Ellie' in a bid to raise vital cash for the charities.

Friends including Chepstow mum Tessa Legg, along with 17 others from the area are preparing to take part in the Cardiff St David's Day Run on March 4 in aid of the appeal and have been meeting regularly to train for the event. Team Ellie has also organised a Pampered Chef Party to be held on March 31 at Chepstow Conservative Club with the support of a number of local businesses.

Mrs Legg said: "A lot of local businesses have pledged their support to Team Ellie and generously donated prizes for a raffle to be held on the night. St Pierre has donated meal and beauty vouchers and gym passes, Bristol Golf Club are offering a round of golf for four, and local eateries Mama Mia, The Castle Inn, Caldicot and the Tudor Farmhouse Hotel in Clearwell have offered meal vouchers. Other prizes have been offered by Star Cuts in Caldicot, Whirlikidz in Chepstow and Ooh la la nails in Portskewett Mrs Legg added: "Having offered its facilities for free, Tiny Tearaways in Bulwark are also hosting a fun afternoon on February 24 between 4-6pm to give some of Ellie's young friends the chance to get involved in the fundraising too. We are asking for minimum donations of £2.50 per child with the proceeds going to childrenÕs cancer charity, LATCH."

If you would like to know more about any of the fundraising events or to get involved please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/Team-Ellie or www.justgiving.com/team-ellie