A £400,000 fundraising campaign launched by the Lancashire Evening Post is being backed by a host of top celebrities.

The paper has launched the Melanie’s Magic Wand Appeal to raise money for revolutionary hospital equipment to tackle brain tumours in memory of 12-year-old Melanie Grant, a former Miss Lancashire Evening Post, who died earlier this year.

EastEnders actor Martin Kemp, who himself battled against a brain tumour, has sent his best wishes, and pop star Ronan Keating has pledged his full support for the appeal.

He said: “I would like to pass on my deepest sympathy to Melanie’s family and friends and wish you the best of luck with Melanie’s Magic Wand Appeal.”

Meanwhile Broadcaster Julia Somerville has spoken exclusively to the Evening Post about her own experience with a brain tumour and has donated money towards the appeal.

A total of £400,000 is needed for a Magic Wand – a hand-held medical probe which allows surgeons to operate on the most sensitive areas of the body – for the Preston and Chorley Hospitals.

The neuro-navigation equipment allows far more detailed surgery where surgeons can operate with greater accuracy on difficult-to-reach tumours and improve recovery rates for patients.