Friends cook up event in brave Ella’s honour

Parents, pupils and staff at Ella Rigg’s school pulled out all the stops to make Ella’s Big Bake-off a huge success.

And their fundraising means another £525 will go to Candlelighters, which partly funds the Leeds General Infirmary ward where the seven-year-old is being treated.

Last month, Dewsbury Collegians held a collection at its annual pantomime to get the ball rolling.

Ella’s grandad Noel Rigg, who is a Collegians member, said: “We’ve been really successful so far with the collections with Dewsbury Collegians and the Applause Company when they did their pantomime at Batley.

“It’s not just a question of providing toys on the ward. Candlelighters provide care for the parents too. They’re very good indeed.”

Ella was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer just after her birthday in November.

She is having chemotherapy treatment, but was able to join her brother Edward, eight, at school in Wakefield on Tuesday for the bake-off.

Ella was guest of honour at the Hendal Primary School event, where she judged cakes and awarded prizes to the three best decorated.

Parents Chris and Jane said they had received had been overwhelmed by the support shown by everyone.

Chris, of Heaton Avenue, Dewsbury, said: “It’s helping us through, and hopefully the money raised will help as many children as possible.

“Ella has good days and bad, but she has amazed us with how well she is coping, and we try and get her out and about when we can.”

Ella’s friend Millie Bucknall is raising more funds by having her head shaved.

A cabaret evening will also be held at Ossett Community Centre on March 21. Tickets cost £10, including meat and potato pie supper. Phone 01924 466659. Visit www.justgiving.com/Chris-RIGG3.