OVER £1,600 has been raised to help support a five-year-old girl suffering with leukaemia.

Family and friends of Emily Shutt, who is battling the disease for a third time, held a fun day at Egremont Conservative Club.

Spencer Walters was sponsored to get his back waxed while Peter Turner had his legs waxed, helping to raise £1,627.

Emily, from Workington, is hoping to go to London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital in January for a medical trial. But her relatives need to raise funds to cover family life while coping with Emily’s treatment.

Spencer, whose fiancee Dawn Shutt is cousin to Emily’s mum, said: “It was a fantastic turn out. With other people fundraising too we have raised a total of £1,627, but it will probably be closer to £1800-£2000 when all the money has been collected in.

“Emily and her family attended, she was getting tired but managed to last the day. It was amazing seeing her there.”

Besides the back waxing, there was a cake stall, face painting and a visit from Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

While Daniel Shutt and Stella the Fella provided entertainment.

Spencer said: “We’ve managed to raise a good amount, we are all really chuffed with it. It’s been a brilliant effort from everyone involved and the place was packed. And most importantly all the kids, including Emily and her brother Alfie, had a brilliant time.

“Daniel and Stuart (Stella) doing the entertainment were fabulous and Emma made the waxing look easy, although it is itchy now!”

Before the event, Spencer said: “It’s important to help Emily and her family relocate to London Great Ormond Street in January 2016 for a new trial, which the family just can’t fund alone.

“We had to do something because it means so much to us all to take some pressure off Emily’s mum, dad, brother and granddad, who are living a daily hell.”

Follow and support Emily on Facebook by joining the group ‘Emily’s Journey’.