Fakenham transformed into Disneyland for Elsie's birthday

The seven-year-old, born with a life-threatening and rare condition affecting her lungs was made a princess for the day, as people and businesses in Fakenham transformed the town into Disneyland celebrate on August 4.

It was organised by mum, Rebecca Gooderson, who said: “Seeing the town and how creative and wonderful everything and everyone looked made us all really emotional.

Rebecca Gooderson, Elsie's mum, pushes her through the town as Fakenham transformed into Disneyland to celebrate her birthday on August 4 (Image: Kevin Croxall – croxy.co.uk)

"Even the attention to detail with Elsie's favourite films and characters being included throughout made something already so very special that even bit more.

“She clapped and cheered and has not stopped speaking about it ever since despite being exhausted and we just feel so lucky that as a family we have that memory to cherish forever.

“We love our little town and couldn't be prouder of everyone's kindness and efforts.

Rebecca Gooderson and Elsie in Fakenham as the town transformed into Disneyland to celebrate her birthday on August 4 (Image: Kevin Croxall – croxy.co.uk)

The family were anxious as Elsie was in hospital just days before the event, but was able to celebrate with the town.

Almost every business in Fakenham joined in, from balloons hanging outside to pictures in the windows - not to mention the countless people in fancy dress, from Disney princesses to Pixar characters, and even the fire brigade donning Mickey Mouse ears.

Rebecca Gooderson and Elsie in Fakenham as the town transformed into Disneyland to celebrate her birthday on August 4 (Image: Kevin Croxall – croxy.co.uk)

People handed presents and cards to the birthday girl, and she was sung to a number of times as she and her mum, her partner Jordan Hunt, and younger brother Noah pushed her around Fakenham to meet everyone.

Drifters fish and chip shop on Oak Street also was feeding the town, as it offered free sausage and chips to anyone dressed up.

Elsie in Fakenham as the town transformed into Disneyland to celebrate her birthday on August 4 (Image: Kevin Croxall – croxy.co.uk.)

The 28-year-old said people have already asked if Disney Day will be a yearly event with ideas of a parade with floats, and she said she doesn’t know what the future holds for it, so not to write anything off.

People in Fakenham as the town transformed into Disneyland to celebrate Elsie's birthday on August 4 (Image: Kevin Croxall – croxy.co.uk)

Elsie and her younger brother Noah before heading out to Fakenham to celebrate her birthday (Image: Rebecca Gooderson)