A FOUR-year-old girl — born with a range of complex health problems — enjoyed the princess treatment during a dream weekend at the Gulliver’s World theme park.

Little Casey was born with her intestines outside her body, a windpipe with the diameter of a pin and a serious heart defect.

In her short life she has already undergone several serious operations and is preparing for another soon.

Married couple Chris Anderton and Teresa Harper met Casey when she came to the Bolton Dance and Performing Arts College, which Teresa runs.

The couple, who have raised thousands of pounds for charities, decided they wanted to fund a dream trip for Casey.

Mr Anderton owns Bolton theatre company Stage Door Productions and, using money made from a Christmas panto as well as funds raised by the dance college, they were able to pay for little Casey and her family to spend a weekend in Gulliver’s World in Warrington.

As an extra treat, the family, which also includes Casey’s brother Kyle, who has severe autism, were taken to and from the theme park in a limousine.

Mr Anderton said: “They loved every minute of it. We were looking for a cause to raise money for and, once we met Casey and heard her story, we stopped looking. Through the panto and fundraising by the college, we were able to raise over £750.”

Casey’s foster mother, Ann Martin, said she was “absolutely overwhelmed” by what the couple had done for the family.

She added: “I get quite emotional thinking about it. To think that people will do that for someone and reach into their pockets for us is amazing.

“The whole thing was brilliant and Casey was made to feel like a real princess, being ferried to the theme park by a limousine, and it was great for all of us to have a bit of a change.

“We didn’t have a Christmas as Casey was in hospital at the time, so this made up for it and gave her a treat before she goes back for another operation.”

Stage Door Productions is already planning another fundraising pantomime event. For details visit stagedoor.uk.com