FRIENDS and family of a little girl who died just before her fifth birthday are trying to raise cash for a special tribute to her.

Billiejo Wood lost her battle with cerebral palsy in September 2005.

During her short life she touched the hearts of her family and carers with her cheeky smile and determination.

More than two years after her death, fundraisers want to put up a plaque to remember her. They are holding a Billiejo Memorial Night in Bridgeton, and are appealing to firms to help in any way they can. Maureen Morrison helped Billiejo, from Bridgeton, through the Kids for Special Needs charity, known as Kids.

Maureen, fundraiser for Kids, which operates from the Queen Mary Street nursery in Bridgeton, said: "Everyone who knew Billiejo was affected by her death and we feel now is the time to give her a memorial she deserves.

"We are holding a night in her honour to raise funds for a plaque either at Daldowie Crematorium or somewhere close to her relatives.

"The remainder will go to Yorkhill Hospital, where Billiejo was treated. We are urging anyone who can help even in a small way, such as a raffle prize, to come forward."

During the last few months of Billiejo's life, Maureen and her team created a fairytale bedroom for her decked out in her favourite colours.

Maureen added: "Billiejo was a very special little girl and we werehappytodoallwe could for her."

Billiejo became ill as a baby and was admitted to hospital in May 2001 after suffering from gastroenteritis.

She developed another two infections that affected oxygen supply to her brain. This resulted in severe brain damage, which left her with a form of cerebral palsy.

The memorial night, on Friday, May 16, at the Orange Halls in Tullis Street, has touched her parents Margaret, 42 and James, 38.

Margaret said: "It is a lovely thing that the charity would like to do and Billiejo would love the thought of a party for her."

Billiejo's younger sister and brother Charley, 2, and James, who has just turned one, will never know her, but Margaret always talks about her.

She also had two older brothers - Christopher, 11, and Alexander, 8 - and a younger sister JamieLee, 4.

Anyone who can help should call Maureen on 0141 778 8784.

Feb 22, 2008