Ellie tickled pink by free Cadillac ride

The Sandra Dee wannabe asked for a Grease-themed bash - but was shocked to find herself being ferried to the do by Sheffield chauffeur Paul Thorneloe.

Paul, whose car hire company American Dream Classics is based on City Road, agreed to take Ellie on the ride of her life free of charge after hearing the brave youngster has been battling a brain tumour since March.

When Ellie’s mum Heather Othick told Paul about Ellie’s plight, he agreed to do the drive at cost price - and Ellie’s aunt Moira Ladlow and her colleagues clubbed together to cover his petrol.

“Ellie knew all about the party and was really excited as she was going as Sandy in the last scene,” said Heather, aged 36. “But she didn’t know about the car - that was a surprise.”

Paul was so touched by Ellie’s courage he didn’t charge her family for the trip from her home in Scarborough to her local village hall.

Ellie was joined in the back of the Cadillac by her 14-year-old brother Philip Bowmaker and three of their friends.

Another 120 friends and family members turned out for the party which she had been looking forward to after weeks of chemotherapy. She has also undergone surgery and radiotherapy.

“Ellie has defied the doctors at every stage of her disease,” said Heather. “There has been a wheelchair in the garage for months that they said she would need because she would be so tired but I think I need it more than she does.”

Heather added: “I’m so grateful to Paul for agreeing to do it.”