BIG Brother winner Craig Phillips has been hailed as one in a million by a Farnworth mother and daughter.

Flo and Shelley McBrien paid tribute to him after he announced he would donate his prize money to their special friend.

Builder Craig has said he will be handing over his entire £70,000 prize money to his best friend's cousin, Joanne Harris -- a familiar face to Bolton.

Joanne needs a heart and lung transplant but, because she has Downs Syndrome, she has been refused a place on the waiting list in this country.

As a result, she has to travel to America for the operation, at a cost of £250,000.

The 18-year-old from Shrewsbury was one of the friends and family to greet Craig, aged 28, from Seaforth, Merseyside, in Channel Four's Big Brother studio.

Joanne has been featured in the BEN because of her close friendship with Farnworth's Shelley McBrien, who also has Down Syndrome.

The pair met two years ago after Shelley underwent surgery to repair a hole in her heart.

Shelley met to give Joanne inspiration and encouragement. She and her mother, Flo, of Bolton Road, Farnworth, have, since that time, been among those spearheading the fundraising campaign on Joanne's behalf.

Their fundraising has been supported by a variety of Bolton companies and organisations. Flo and Shelley last saw Joanne a few weeks ago when they went to her 18th birthday party.

Speaking in response to Craig's generous gesture, Flo said: "We were told he would be donating the money if he won beforehand.

"He definitely had our votes. He is one in a million and I only wish there were more like him.

"I think he is one hell of a guy. It is a lovely gesture he has made.

"It is brilliant and I now hope it will put Joanne's case firmly back in the limelight."