A LITTLE girl about to undergo brain surgery for a rare and incurable condition enjoyed a huge birthday party in a "castle" today (Sunday, October 5).

Missy Russell celebrated her sixth birthday at Middlesbrough Town Hall - the first time the venue has hosted such an event. The little girl calls it a castle because of its grand Victorian architecture.

Missy, who is a huge fan of the Disney film Frozen, enjoyed meeting her favourite characters from the film before a disco, karaoke and a bubble machine for about 50 friends and family.

She even got up at the karaoke and treated partygoers to her rendition of "Let it Go", from the Frozen film.

The venue and the party entertainment was all donated to the little girl by wellwishers.

"She just hasn't stopped smiling the whole time," said Missy's mother, Kirsty Clough. "I had tears in my eyes when she got up and started singing. It's been so special for her."

The Middlesbrough schoolgirl was diagnosed last year with Chiari malformation type one, which means the lowest part of the brain drops into the top of the spinal canal, and she also has syringomyelia, where a cavity can form within the spinal cord and fill with fluid, which can damage the spinal cord. Both conditions mean Missy's brain stem is compressed, which can cause dizziness, pressure headaches and loss of control of the limbs.

The Ayresome Primary School pupil will travel to Oxford in two weeks time to undergo her first round of surgery on both her brain and spine. She will have to stay in for between seven and ten days and will need regular brain surgery to ease the pressure on her brain and spine.

Although the surgery is funded by the NHS, the family is holding a fundraiser next weekend to help them pay for travel and accommodation.

Missy also ran the Tees Pride 3k Fun Run to help raise awareness of her conditions and to fundraise for the Ann Conroy Trust, a charity which offers support to sufferers.

She was joined on the run by brother Jason, seven, who has given up all the things his sister can't do, such as bouncing on trampolines and bouncy castles, which he calls their "pact".

*The family is holding a fundraiser at the Mink bar on Corporation Road in Middlesbrough on Sunday, October 12, with current local "X Factor" performer Kerrianne Covell attending at 4.30pm. Entry is free but there will be buckets collecting for the Ann Conroy Trust. Mink will be opened for 12 hours through the day, with family fun throughout the day and fun for grown-ups - including a set by local comedian Patrick Monaghan - after 6pm. There will also be magicians, rock and roll bingo, raffles, tombolas, a fire show and live music.