A SOLDIER who developed a deadly illness after being exposed to uranium in Iraq has been supported by an event in York.

Katrina Brown, 31, who trained as a medic in York, was exposed to radioactive material while serving in Basra in 2003 and yesterday flew to Chicago to receive urgent immunotherapy treatment costing £110,000.

At the weekend an event organised by her friend Ruby Adds- who also trained with Mrs Brown at Strensall Barracks - and Sarah Ashton of Thimbelina in Walmgate, saw a fashion show take place at the De Grey Rooms.

The event featured prom dresses, wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and mother-of-the bride outfits donated by shops across York as well as a performance by York singer Rebecca Newman and raised more than £3,000.

Mrs Adds said: "It went really well, it was really successful and well attended. The girls looked stunning. We sold some of the dresses and had some very generous donations as well.

"The money raised will go towards accommodation and medication."

Mrs Brown, who currently lives in Gloucestershire, was diagnosed with rare systemic sclerosis in 2008 which is slowly attacking her major organs - and will eventually lead to her death if left untreated.

The condition so rare and mysterious that neither the NHS nor the MoD recognise it and will not treat it.

As she was handed a card warning her she had been in contact with radioactive materials as she returned from her 2003 tour, Mrs Brown believes the illness is linked to exposure to depleted uranium.

She raised the money required just in time. Yesterday she tweeted "FLYING TO CHICAGO FOR TREATMENT TODAY!!! A massive massive thank you to everyone who's helped along the way - will keep you all updated!"