A GRANDFATHER who has been inspired by his seriously-ill granddaughter's fight for life is getting ready to attempt a second fancy dress world record.John Huggins, of Southwold, raised nearly £30,000 last summer when 352 people gathered on the town's common dressed as children's characters.

A GRANDFATHER who has been inspired by his seriously-ill granddaughter's fight for life is getting ready to attempt a second fancy dress world record.

John Huggins, of Southwold, raised nearly £30,000 last summer when 352 people gathered on the town's common dressed as children's characters.

His fundraising efforts have been inspired by his granddaughter Sophie, who has spent more than a year in hospital fighting an aggressive brain tumour. Although the tumour has now been eradicated, Sophie, three, has been left with multiple disabilities.

Last year's record attempt was not officially recognised by Guinness, but Mr Huggins is planning to try again this summer and make the event bigger and better than last year. He said that officials from Guinness have accepted the up-coming Southwold event as a contender for the record for the largest gathering of people dressed in fancy dress.

Participants will get sponsorship to take part in a two-mile walk dressed as children's characters on Sunday, August 17, before gathering on the football pitch for the world record attempt.

All money raised will be divided between three charities which have supported Sophie's battle for life - the Children's Trust, East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) and Cancer Research UK.

To take part, register online at www.sophiesworldrecord.org or call John Huggins on 07768 556106.