MORE than 500 wellwishers have responded to an appeal to cheer a disabled Bradford girl up after a long stint in hospital by sending her cards for her 14th birthday.

The parents of Briany Lambert, from Undercliffe, said they were thrilled and overwhelmed with the kindness shown by local people and businesses, as well as wellwishers from as far away as Australia when they asked for people to wish Briany a happy birthday on July 21.

The youngster who has cerebral palsy and cannot communicate with speech, has recently spent almost six months in hospital and endured a 14-hour operation to help correct a stomach disorder.

Two years ago the family asked for people to cheer her up by sending cards to celebrate her 12th birthday.

Around 450 cards were sent then but this total has been surpassed.

Briany’s dad Jason Coates said: “She had an amazing day spent with close family and friends from respite.

“We have been overwhelmed with the love and support from fellow Bradfordians and the wider community who follow Briany, known fondly by her family as Princess B, on her journey on Facebook.

“We have received so far 500+ cards smashing the appeal set two years ago with cards arriving from, Australia, America, Denmark, Lithuania, Switzerland to name but a few and of course the amazing British public. “Included in the cards was one from our very own Lord Mayor with a little teddy badge, one from a YouTube vlogger (makeupJunkieg) and businesses across the UK.

“On behalf of Briany, we would just like to thank everyone involved for making her day so special. It really is amazing watching a community come together like this.”

He added that Briany has been unwell again and in respite but they hope to have her home again at the weekend.

Among the wellwishers was Mary Brimacombe, from Undercliffe, whose daughter-in-law Bianca works for Baildon Cards and Gifts, in Westgate, Baildon.

“We read the story and wanted to send balloon cards to her. Bianca picked a unicorn balloon and I had one made with a birthday message to Princess B.

“She has been a very brave young girl and we wanted to help make her day a special one.”