TWO young Grays girls have shrugged off their own life-threatening illnesses to raise funds and gather in gifts to help other children who will spend Christmas in Basildon Hospital.

Seven-year-old Dottie Rees and her friend Avery Brake, who is four, have been fighting their own health battles through their early years but they have an unquenchable desire to help others.

Dottie was diagnosed with Bithalamic Glioma in September 2020 aged four. Under the care of Great Ormond Street Hospital she is now firmly on a pathway to beat the illness and 'Dottie's Journey' has become a charitable cause that has motivated many people to support her and the causes she supports.

She was featured on Thurrock Nub News in July last year when we reported her story – and also when she made an appearance on ITV's Good Morning programme.

Avery, who was also featured on Thurrock Nub News earlier this month when she switched on the hospital Christmas tree lights, was diagnosed with leukaemia May 2023.

During her chemotherapy she has forged a strong bond with Dottie. The girls already knew each other before Avery's illness was diagnosed and their friendship has only strengthened during their double adversity.

The dynamic duo decided they wanted to do something special for Christmas and so with the help of friends, family and a number of local companies they have gathered together a huge number of presents for children who will be treated at Basildon over the festive period. And also for the staff who will be working.

There's still time for people to make a voucher donation – using the Amazon wish list Dottie and Avery have set up online.

Packing supplies have been donated by Trunk Logistics.

But tomorrow (Thursday, 21 December) , thanks to the Ensign Bus Company that will be transporting the items on their Christmas bus to the hospital, the gifts will be delivered..

Dottie's mum, Louise Paterson-Rees, says: "The girls have been amazing. And they have received so much support. We would like to express a very big thank-you to Ensign Bus, Trunk Logistics for providing all the boxes and Hobbycraft at Lakeside for donating hundreds of pounds of products.

"Also to the whole local community that has rallied round to support the girls."

Ensign's Santa Bus has been touring the borough - and was in Purfleet last night. Tomorrow it will be making a special delivery run to Basildon Hospital.