Dream Disney trip for Lowestoft girl

A BRAVE 10-year-old girl, who has spent more than a year battling a brain tumour, will soon set off on the holiday of a lifetime - thanks to some special fundraisers.

A BRAVE 10-year-old girl, who has spent more than a year battling a brain tumour, will soon set off on the holiday of a lifetime - thanks to some special fundraisers.

Hannah Coffill, from Carlton Colville, near Lowestoft, will have to have treatment for the rest of her life after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2007.

When her mother, Amanda Coffill, who is a part-time special constable for Suffolk Police, mentioned to colleagues that the family were hoping to pay for a trip to Disney World to provide Hannah, and her younger brother and sister, with a well-deserved break after months of hospital visits, they decided to help.

Special Supt Paul Goldsmith pledged to help raise money and spoke to his fellow volunteer officers John Walchester, Garry Smith and Martin Ashburn, who decided to arrange an auction to be held at the annual Suffolk Special Constabulary dinner dance.

They persuaded local businesses to donate prizes, including a holiday from Lowestoft-based Hoseasons, a signed football from Norwich City Football Club and goodies from Ipswich Town Football Club.

The event went ahead in November last year at the force's headquarters in Martlesham, near Ipswich, and after a donation of �500 from the Special Constabulary Welfare Fund, more than �2,000 was raised and the family will be jetting off on holiday in a few weeks.

Mrs Coffill, who herself recently completed a skydive to raise money for the Make A Wish foundation to help other ill children, said: 'I'm not sure how we can ever thank all those who have been so generous.'