Kind-hearted Oxfordshire people have made a dream come true for a brave six-year-old girl battling against the odds.

Little Laurel Brook has spent all of her young life fighting illness.

Born with defective kidneys, Laurel spent her first 18 months on dialysis. She suffered a stroke and, aged just one, underwent a double kidney transplant. Two years ago she developed epilepsy which can cause her to have fits when she gets stressed or excited.

Thanks to you she can now spend some time on the humdrum things in life - like cooking and washing up in her new toy kitchen.

Too sick to visit Disneyland, America, her friends and family conspired to bring a little magic into her life. With help from the Make a Wish Foundation, which depends entirely on donations, Laurel and her family were whisked off in a limousine for a shopping spree at Oxford's Disney Store.

It was part of a £1,000 day-long surprise which included lunch at the King's Arms, in Sandford-on-Thames.

Back home at Ethelhelm Close, Abingdon, Laurel - holding hands with best friend and next-door neighbour Rachel Crowley, six-and-a-half - was overjoyed with a new playhouse, toy kitchen and lots more besides.

Laurel said: "The kitchen is my favourite. I always wanted one. I like cooking."

Doctors at St James' Hospital in Leeds, where Laurel was treated before the family moved to Abingdon, had nominated her for a Make a Wish Foundation treat. The charity tries to fulfil the wishes of children like Laurel who suffer from life-threatening illnesses. Mum Michele, 30, said: "Laurel never complains and is a very happy-go-lucky child. She is very chatty and happy. The Make a Wish Foundation has been wonderful. This day is about spoiling her and she has always wanted a kitchen - she helps me with the cooking and loves washing up.

"She has a lot of problems and it has been hard. She copes with her condition really well - you wouldn't know there was anything wrong.''

Michele's partner Mark Willis, 32, is a building contractor in the family firm and Michele is studying.

Make a Wish Volunteer Jayne Watson said: "This is what makes it all worthwhile. This is what all the fundraising is for - to be able to help children like Laurel." If you would like to help contact the Make a Wish Foundation on 01865 300121.

Story date: Monday 20 March

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