Fakenham bussinesses to transform town back into Disneyland

Fakenham will be transformed into a version of the 'most magical place on Earth' in support of a little girl who is battling a life-threatening illness.

Rebecca Gooderson, who lives in the town, said she hoped people would get into the spirit of things and get dressed up for Elsie's seventh birthday on August 4.

Miss Gooderson said she had already got a good response to the idea, and 23 businesses had pledged their support.

“It is brilliant, we are always so shocked, as it feels the more we do the more we push our luck, but everyone still seems to be really keen and willing, so we are shocked and overwhelmed by just how kind everyone is.

“I messaged some people who were involved last time, to say we were thinking of doing it again, as I really was not sure people would want to - but they all said they’d love to be involved and how happy it made the town jumping straight onboard with new ideas.”

People in Disney costumes line the streets of Fakenham to celebrate Elsie Gooderson's fifth birthday with a tour round the town, which has been turned into Disneyland back in 2021 (Image: Archant 2021)

The family cannot take Elsie to Disneyland due to her health condition.

They held a similar event back in 2021, but due to the pandemic, the family drove through the town in a car.

But this year they hope to take Elsie around in her wheelchair to meet everyone.

Elsie suffers from Kagami Ogata syndrome which means her ribs never fully developed and are the shape of coat hangers, hooking around and crushing her lungs.

Staff at the Woodspring House care home, ready to celebrate Elsie Gooderson's fifth birthday as Fakenham is turned into Disneyland with everyone in Disney costume (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Running Horse pub on the Clipbush Business Park has invited the family for a Disney-themed meal after they walk around town.

Late last year, the family hosted an event called 'Hope For Elsie's Northpole-Wonderland', to raise money for a new car chair to help her get to important medical appointments.

Elsie Gooderson celebrating her fifth birthday with her mum Rebecca, as they tour round Fakenham which has been turned into Disneyland by the locals dressed in costume in 2021 (Image: Archant 2021)