Laura Moore (8), who has neuroblastoma and leukaemia, took part in a sponsored walk through Falkland Estate on Sunday to raise money for CHAS, the Children's Hospice Association Scotland.

Seated on a horse dressed up as a unicorn, Laura led about 100 walkers in a fund-raiser organised by Jack Henderson of Falkland's Lomond Tavern, which also put on a night of music to raise more money for the children's charity.

Her stepfather Grant Kidd said Laura was a little shy and embarrassed by all the attention, but had a great time.

Her big sister Cara (12) and some friends decided to dress up in their pyjamas for the occasion and managed in a day to raise £220 towards the total.

Last Thursday, Laura met Celtic manager Gordon Strachan and all the Dundee United and Celtic players when she was a mascot at the match between the teams at Tannadice.

She led the players out on to the pitch holding a banner in memory of Celtic legend Tommy Burns, who died of cancer earlier this month.

"I think she was a wee bit awestruck by the whole thing," said Mr Kidd.

More excitement came when rocker Rod Stewart walked in and had his picture taken with her, although Mr Kidd admitted: "Laura wasn't quite sure who he was!"

That same day Laura and her family — Grant, her mum Lynne, Cara and brother Ewan (2) — moved across the road into a bigger house, which has been specially extended to accommodate a downstairs bedroom and bathroom for Laura.

They were helped by a group of adults and children who turned up in the early evening and carried their furniture across.

Mr Kidd said Laura loved her new room and thanked everybody for their continued support.

"The last week has just been a busy, stressful but exciting week for us," he added.

Howe of Fife and Tay Coast councillor David MacDiarmid, who lives in Falkland, said he was heartened by the way the local community had come together for Laura's sake.

"I think on Sunday the sun shone on everybody because it actually lifted you being there among those people who were willing to help," he said.