A DRIVE to raise funds for a girl battling a rare and aggressive cancer has received a boost following a string of events.

Organisers of the Gaby Alderson Appeal said the total topped £50,000 as the pupil at South Otterington Primary School, near Northallerton, underwent her 14th round of chemotherapy.

Gaby's mother, Vicki, who attended Central School and Humersknott Academy, in Darlington, said the latest round of treatment had enabled the 11-year-old, who was diagnosed with stage four MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma last September, to live a relatively normal life recently.

She said: "The results of tests were good regarding her solid tumours, which have responded well, however treatment for her bone marrow disease is still proving difficult.

"She's continuing going to school, her appetitive is good and she is still coping with things very well."

Recent events to fund treatment for Gaby unavailable on the NHS have included a sponsored cycle over the Tour de France weekend by staff at Mountain Warehouse, in Northallerton, which raised £630.

A glamour event organised by Barkers department store and Clarins at The Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton raised a further £600, while a balloon race launched in Thirsk Market Place saw about 350 balloons, donated by Thirsk-based firm Arty Party, released.

Funds raised by Northallerton Amateur Swimming Club members, who swam more than 6,100 lengths at Hambleton Leisure Centre in three hours, are being counted.

For tickets, costing £40, for a black tie fundraising dinner with live music at The Golden Lion Hotel, on September 20, call 01609-777411 or visit the hotel.

For details about fundraising, visit facebook.com/ GabrielleAldersonsAppeal or Twitter @gabysappeal.

Donate at Justgiving. com/ NCCAUKGabrielles-journey, text GABR78 followed by an amount up to £10 to 70070.