A big hand for Tilly; CELEBS RAISE pounds 25K FOR GIRL.

Byline: LUCY THORNTON

GENEROUS stars have given a massive boost to brave little meningitis victim Tilly Lockey.

The three-year-old lost both her hands and toes to the killer disease when she was just 15 months old.

She was fitted with her first pair of prosthetic limbs this year but will need more pairs as she grows - at a cost of pounds 20,000 each.

An auction of more than 100 celebrities' handprints raised nearly pounds 25,000 for the Give Tilly a Hand Appeal in Newcastle on Saturday, with singer Richard Fleeshman performing.

The late football legend Sir Bobby Robson's handprint sold for pounds 4,000 and Girls Aloud's were snapped up by Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne for pounds 6,000 at the charity bash.

An elaborate hand print of Harry Potter author JK Rowling reached pounds 5,600 on eBay.

Tilly's teacher dad Adam, 29, who lives with wife Sarah, also 29, and their three daughters in Tow Law, Co Durham, said: "We've been blown away by the willingness of celebrities to donate handprints and the warmth they have shown towards Tilly."

Actress Denise Welch, who hosted the event, said: "I'm honoured to be patron of the appeal."

CAPTION(S):

BOBBY DAZZLER Tilly and parents with Robson and Rowling pictures PATRON Denise Welch