FUNNYMAN Ricky Tomlinson has organised a variety show for the family of a brave young girl from Wirral being treated for a brain tumour.

The show – taking place at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight on March 27 - will feature Birkenhead-born country legend Charlie Landsborough, singer Kearra Bethany, actor and comedian Tony Barton and singer Joe Wall.

It is all in aid of the Spider-Ede Appeal - raising funds for three-year-old Edie Molyneux from Tranmere.

She was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) last year and travelled to Mexico in January to receive IA chemotherapy and immunotherapy not available in the UK.

Last week Edie received the fantastic news that her tumour is less active after a month of treatment.

A ballpark figure for the treatment is around £300,000 but the family have had to increase the appeal's total to £700,000 following advice from other parents currently in Mexico.

So far the campaign has raised around £140,000 in the 11 weeks since the appeal started.

During a launch of the variety show at the Gladstrone Theatre, former Brookside and Royle Family star Ricky told the Globe: "There have been a lot of steps made in Edie's fundraising campaign and this just another step.

"Hopefully, if this takes off we can put a bigger show on.

"I've just called a few favours in – Joe, Keira, Charlie, Tony and Phil – my mate who got us the theatre.

"It's just our little contribution to a vitally important cause.

"I've got grandkids myself, and that's what I live for now.

"I could retire and go and live anywhere, but now I'm preparing for their future.

"By the same token, Edie’s family are doing all they can to prepare for Edie's future.

"If we all stick together and do something to help, that's the king.

"I've been very lucky, have worked all of my life. I'm 78, going on 79, and if I can't put a few bob back to help others, then something's very seriously wrong.

"The likes of Charlie Landsborough are great; I love him.

"You've only got to pick the phone up and he'll say 'I'll have a look in the diary and if I’m available I'll do it'.

"There’s only so much we can do, but if we all do a little bit it makes it so much easier for those who’ve got to carry it on."

Reflecting on Edie's situation, he added: "I just think it's awful that Edie's family is out of their mind with worry trying to raise money when we can spend millions and billions of pounds on weapons of mass destruction when a little kid like Edie desperately needs our help.

"It doesn't make sense to me."

Earlier this month, Edie had to have a shunt fitted to allow fluid to move from her brain to another part of her body. This cost the family £8,760 alone without any other treatment such as IA chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Praising the show's stars Steve Smith, spokesman for The Spider-Ede Appeal, told the Globe: "These are fantastic, talented and successful performers who never forgot their roots.

"Ricky said it's only a small venue, but it's big enough for us, because it's all about the awareness that this show will raise for our campaign.

"People will see that we've got the backing of some really famous people and that’s what we want.

"What you have to remember is that this is a long-haul really, because Edie could be getting treatment for 18 months.

"It's not just the chemotherapy that costs a lot of money, but also the immunal therapy that goes with it.

"You're looking at around £30,000 for that, so you've got to find £30,000 every month.

"We've had a great head start with the appeal, but we've got to not plateau and keep going.

"Also, Edie's mum Ashleigh - who is a nursery nurse - and dad Steve - a self-employed builder - have had to suspend their jobs to go out to Mexico and have no visible means of income.

"They have got to keep two homes – one here and one they're renting in Mexico – so are effectively living two lives but with no wages.

"They left in January and aren't planning to return until April."

Hazel Anderson, Edie's grandmother, said: "It's absolutely fantastic that these people have come together to do this for us and are getting on with everything behind the scenes.

"Ricky told us that it's a subject close to his heart, because he's got grandchildren.

"People feel it when they know it could happen to anyone of their children. Edie's condition is a killer of children and we support and to raise awareness of that."

Edie had her third inter-aterial chaemo on Thursday and is sleeping.

Kirsty Staiding, Edie’s Auntie said: "We know the procedure went well and are hopeful it’s been a successful treatment."

To donate to The Spider-Ede Appeal visit www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/thebradleyloweryfoundation/spideredieor text ‘Edie03’ followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70070.

Tickets for Ricky's variety show at the Gladstone Theatre on March 27, which starts at 7.30pm, are from the box office on 0151 643 8757.