TWO brave little girls who are both overcoming disabilities have joined forces to raise money for others.

Poppleton Ousebank Primary School pupils, seven-year-old Poppy Wadsworth and nine-year-old Georgina Thompson, are combining forces to host the Crystal Ball this coming weekend.

The event has been organised by their families and well-wishers to raise funds and raise awareness of their disabilities.

Poppy has a complex condition called cloaca, and has had operations to untangle her bowel and help with other medical problems. She is fundraising for Children with Hirschsprung’s and Rectal Malformations (CHARMS).

Fellow pupil and Poppleton resident Georgina was born with congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV), which resulted in the damaging of her optic nerve and led to a stroke.

Georgina is epileptic and suffered brain damage, meaning she is unable to use her left arm and leg. Her family have set up The Georgina Grace Trust, which has so far raised about £15,000 which has included funded equipment for York Hospital's physiotherapy department.

However, as she recently underwent brain surgery to lessen them symptoms of her epilepsy, she may not be able to attend the ball.

Ruth Thompson, Georgina's mum, said about her daughter: "I'm extremely proud of her, especially following the operation, you couldn't have asked her to deal with it any better. She's taken it in her stride."

She said the families had become close as Poppy became good friends with her younger daughter, seven-year-old Hannah. "This is our first event together - we may do more in the future," Ruth said.

Tickets to the ball in the Walled Garden Marquee at Temple Newsam and include dinner and live entertainment and cost £65 per person.

A courtesy coach is leaving from York's memorial gardens. To buy tickets call 07986122762.