A Shields Gazette campaign to raise £5,000 for a two-year-old girl battling a brain tumour has broken its appeal records.

The newspaper asked its readers to donate £5,000 to send Elena Kidd and her family to Disneyland, Paris.

Within just two weeks more than £10,000 was raised, double the amount needed. The Elena’s Dream appeal proved the fastest and most successful the Gazette has ever staged.

Readers had been touched by Elena’s story and gave individual cheques ranging from £10 to £3,000.

Gazette editor John Szymanski said: “We had no idea that when we launched this campaign, it would be so popular and touch so many people.

“Once again our readers have proved to be generous bar none, as they open their hearts and their wallets to help Elena’s dream come true.”

Additional cash from the appeal will go towards the cost of insurance for the family’s planned four-day trip to Paris.

Money will also be spent on a wheelchair and other items to make Elena’s life more comfortable.

Elena undergoes chemotherapy treatment because surgery has been ruled out and doctors hope they can prevent the spread of the disease.

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