BRADFORD Ice Arena will host a major fundraising event later this month to raise money for the family of a brave tot who has spent most of the summer in hospital.

Elliot Woodhead is only 16-months-old, and is now being treated for myeloid leukaemia at Leeds General Infirmary.

In the past two months Elliot has only been home for about five days in between treatments.

On Saturday, August 30, there will be an event called Skate For Elliott at the ice arena, on Little Horton Road.

As well as raising money for the tot's family, the money will help other families of children in similar conditions.

Elliott's dad Daniel Woodhead, who is originally from Bradford, said: "Some of the money will go towards Elliot's living expenses and some of it will be going to the hospital's charities.

"It is not easy for him being in hospital so much, but he is starting to get acclimatised to it. He has not been home much at all."

Although his mum, Elisa Meynell often stays at the hospital with him, Mr Woodhead has to return to their home in Bridlington after visiting hours, a drive of at least 90 minutes, and he says leaving his poorly son behind can take its toll.

He said: "It can be very stressful, I have to leave the hospital at 10pm, to go home, but he's improving very well and the leukaemia is in remission.

"He still has two more cycles of treatment left so it could still take a while for him to recover. It is hard for him, but luckily he is at an age where he won't remember it."

"Hopefully this event at the arena will raise a lot of money and it can go to help other children and families dealing with this and other life-threatening illnesses."

The fundraiser was organised by Daniel's aunt, Dawny Kyle who works at the the ice arena.

Myeloid leukaemia can leave sufferers feeling tired and breathless, more open to infections and prone to fevers and abnormal bleeding.

It effects about 60 children each year, and Elliot was diagnosed when he was 14-months-old.

The Skate for Elliot event runs from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on August 30 and tickets cost £3, including skate hire.

As well as ice skating there will be a DJ, face painting, a raffle, and an appearance from Disney's Mickey and Minnie Mouse.