A WIRRAL mother ensured her little girl's memory was kept alive as hundreds of children raised more than £1,000 in her name at a special pirates event.

The 'Pirates for Ellie' day, which took place last Friday, was set up in 2011 to raise vital cash for Claire House Children’s Hospice where seven-year-old Ellie Cook sadly passed away.

The youngster had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour but following her death her mother Linda organised the annual event in which pupils at her former school New Brighton Primary are sponsored to dress up as pirates for the day.

And this year more than 600 children decorated the pirate ship at New Brighton beach in Ellie’s memory.

Linda's work colleagues at Wirral Council, where she works, also got into the spirit took part in the day as well.

And this year's event has raised a massive £1,250 for the Bebington-based hospice, adding to the £2,500 which was gathered in 2012.

Linda said: "After Ellie was diagnosed, Claire House's 'Hospice to Home' team were assigned to the family to provide Ellie's care.

"Instead of weekly hospital visits, we went to Claire House, to an atmosphere of fun and laughter.

"It costs Claire House £6,500 per day to run the hospice and they receive very little government funding. Without them, Ellie's last 18 months would have been very different."

And also joining in the fundraising efforts was Linda’s colleague Lynne Hunt who volunteered for a sponsored head shave on Saturday, raising more than £340.

Lynne said: "Anything you can give would be very gratefully received. This is a fantastic cause and a great tribute to Ellie."

• You can donate through the Just Giving website www.justgiving.com/Baldie-Lynne or via www.justgiving.com/piratesforellie