A NANTWICH youngster was one of a handful of children chosen to be a special guest at the Lord Mayor’s Show parade this month.

Ten-year-old Elle Morris and her mum Becky Whitfield joined the fun and festivities at this year’s event in London on Saturday, November 12.

Elle, who is a patient at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), has cystic fibrosis and is waiting for a double lung transplant at the hospital.

She is on oxygen full-time, and spends long periods in isolation having treatment, but remains determined and courageous.

After learning she’d need a transplant, Elle wrote 10 wishes to celebrate her 10th birthday, and has even recorded a pop video to raise awareness of her condition which has racked up more than 75,000 views online.

Becky said: “It was amazing to be a part of this special day, we had a fantastic time and there was such a party atmosphere even through the rain and cold.

“It was great to meet the other GOSH families and Elle loved waving at the crowds from the float – it was so much fun.

“We’re so thankful to have been invited to enjoy the Lord Mayor’s Show, it was the experience of a lifetime and we felt so privileged to be picked to be aboard the GOSH float representing such a wonderful charity.”

The parade featured more than 7,000 participants, including 20 bands, 150 horses and hundreds of other carriages, carts, coaches and vehicles.

Elle was cheered on by crowds of more than half a million people at London’s oldest street party, where she was joined by team members from Premier Inn and Restaurants, who have helped raise £7.5 million for the charity.

The money will go towards the Premier Inn Clinical Building, which is expected to open next Autumn and will feature state-of-the-art facilities.

Amit Aggarwal, Director of Corporate Partnerships from Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, said: “We were delighted to be joined by Elle and her mum for this very special day of celebration at the Lord Mayor’s Show.

“Huge thanks to the staff at Premier Inn and Restaurants who have raised a fantastic £7.5 million which will help to transform the hospital and make a difference to the lives of seriously ill children from across the UK.”

For more information about GOSH visit gosh.org