A FACEBOOK site had been set up in support of brave toddler Ella Chadwick as she prepares for a double kidney transplant.

'Fingers Crossed for Ella's Transplant' has been launched by her parents Karen Hughes and Martin Chadwick after they learnt they are both suitable to donate their kidneys to their two-year-old daughter.

The group, which so far has 158 members, lets friends and family post messages of support for Ella and her parents, from Platting Lane, Balderstone, and it allows Karen and Martin to update supporters of any news in the run up to the transplant.

There is also a link to the Kids Kidney Research charity Facebook site and website and an explanation of Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome, an incurable and potentially fatal disorder that affects one in 10,000 people - a condition that Ella was diagnosed with at two months old.

It explains that a transplant is 'not only essential but a chance at normality' for their 'special and brave little girl' who had both kidneys removed last April because they were losing protein her body was supposed to be storing.

Ella now needs dialysis treatment for 11 hours every night but after the transplant she is expected to come off dialysis immediately.

It is expected that Martin, aged 30, will become the donor this summer as a person only needs one kidney to survive.

Messages of support posted on the site include: "Wishing you all the best of luck.

"You have a little fighter there. She is a shining star."

Another supporter has posted: "Good luck to you all, she is always a happy, smiley little girl."