A CHARITY fighting the cause for families affected by a life-threatening tissue disorder has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Bury-based Annabelle's Challenge has been shortlisted for the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work.

Annabelle's Challenge was set up in the name of a brave Bury girl after she was diagnosed with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

The connective tissue disorder makes the tissues, arteries and internal organs extremely fragile, with patients at risk of sudden arterial or organ rupture.

Annabelle's dad Jared Griffin, who founded the charity, said: "We are absolutely delighted and proud to have been shortlisted for The Queens’s Award for Voluntary Service.

"On behalf of our team I would like to thank all our fantastic volunteers for all the hard work helping the charity support patients and families affected by Vascular EDS including events and voluntary work in the local community.

"We are so proud to receive this nomination and be shortlisted for such a prestigious award as we continue our work both locally and nationally.

"Well done to everyone who supports, fundraises, and volunteers for Annabelle’s Challenge."

The charity received the news in a letter from the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester this week.