RICHARD Branson's business empire Virgin has stepped in to help improve the quality of life for a 22-month-old Worcester youngster with cerebral palsy.

Following a story in the Worcester News about Ellie Taylor, who needs specialist equipment to help her posture so that she will be able to walk, Virgin Cosmetics contacted her mum, 28-year-old Kay, offering to organise and run a charity fund-raising event.

A delighted Mrs Taylor, of Meadway Road, Ronkswood, said: "I was a bit shocked when they rang me up. They had never fund-raised for children with cerebral palsy. They normally raise money for children with cancer."

Virgin Cosmetics is holding a Ladies Night at Reflex Night Club, St Nicholas Street, Worcester, on Wednesday October 25. The tickets, costing £6, include a glass of wine, nibbles, a mini facial or mini make-over or mini manicure. There will also be cosmetics and jewellery stands. A quarter of the proceeds will go towards Ellie's fund.

Ellie's family is trying to collect £6,000 for a special car seat, buggy and bed. Mrs Taylor says the Government does not pay for any of the equipment until a child is aged three but it is vital for Ellie to get the help she needs now to speed up the process of getting her walking.

She said people in the city had been very supportive. Bridges Restaurant, Hindlip Lane, had collected £1,000 in a collection box and a family friend, 36-year-old Natalie Brewster, from Thames Close, did a sponsored parachute jump at the end of September. She expects to collect about £1,000 from that, while Mrs Taylor and her firefighter husband Gareth have also raised £700.

A group of 10 firefighters from green watch in Worcester are also planning to boost Ellie's equipment fund. They ran a half marathon from Worcester to Malvern and back wearing firefighting kit yesterday.

Anyone interested in going along to the Virgin Cosmetics Ladies Night can buy tickets from Mrs Taylor by ringing 07792096943 or get them from O'Neill's Irish Bar, St Nicholas Street.