INSPIRATIONAL schoolgirl Ruth Madeley is on her way to Downing Street tomorrow for a top level meeting with Cherie Blair.

The 13-year-old, who learned last week that she is in line for a Princess Diana memorial award, will join in a board meeting in the cabinet room at Number 10.

Ruth of Mount St Joseph RC school in Farnworth sits on the junior board of the Whizz-Kidz charity and raises money for non-mobile children such as herself.

The Prime Minister's wife invited the 10 members of the board to Downing Street to celebrate its tenth birthday.

Ruth became involved in the charity after being issued with a wheelchair and she and her fellow members will discuss issues facing disabled youngsters.

Ruth said: "We are going to talk to her about issues such as transport, integration and NHS wheelchairs.

"The NHS wheelchairs are very basic but the ones provided by Whizz-Kidz are colourful, sporty, lightweight and easy to use. They make such a difference."

A spokesman for the charity said the NHS cannot afford to issue disabled youngters with the individual custom made chairs provided by the charity which cost anything from £2600 up to £13,000 at time.

She said: "The NHS does not have the funding for tailor made ones but maybe we can work together in tandem."

Ruth, who is is going to Downing Street with her mum Jacquie and proud grandmother Margaret Royle, and is very excited at the prospect of entering the seat of power.

Mrs Blair praised the charity and said: "As a mother myself I am only too aware that independence is an essential part of growing up.

"Whizz-KIdz gives children with disabilities their first experience of mobility and the freedom to enjoy their childhood as much as able bodied children."

Members of the Board will also discuss ideas for their special fundraising week starting on May 8 when schools around the country will take part in sponsored activities for the charity.

They will present Mrs Blair with a Whizz Wig so she can take part in the charity's bid to set a wig wearing world record.

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