A YOUNG Glasgow girl battling a rare form of leukemia inspired a leading bridal designer to name a gown in her honour.

Ayesha Siddiqui - whose mum Noreen was an Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year finalist - is helping the creative team at Eleganza Sposa design a bridesmaid's dress.

It is a boost for the nine-year-old who is recovering from swine flu.

Six cases were recently reported at the Sick Kids' Hospital, where Ayesha attends a weekly clinic, although the hospital confirmed they were not connected.

Ayesha is recovering at home in Newton Mearns from her bout of swine flu.

Noreen said: "Ayesha had been unwell with a cough and a cold but we took her along for her routine appointment.

"They checked her temperature and because it was raised, they admitted her for tests and told us she had swine flu.

"It was worrying because Ayesha's immune system is suppressed due to the leukemia, and she spent six days in hospital. Thankfully she is on the mend but it has been a tough four weeks for her."

The chance to design the dress happened after Anna Cirignaco, the owner of Eleganza Sposa heard about Ayesha.

Her cousin in Italy has the same rare leukaemia as Ayesha, so was keen to support the charity.

Noreen said: "Ayesha loves drawing and she is over the moon to think some of her ideas might be incorporated into an Eleganza Sposa dress.

"She has to send in some sketches and the finished dress is going to be called Ayesha."

The boutique is holding a fashion show on March 27 with proceeds going to Ayesaha's Bone Marrow Appeal and the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Ayesha has been receiving treatment for leukemia for three years and Noreen has worked to raise awareness of the shortage of donors.

She was nominated for Scotswoman of the Year after raising £185,000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust and recruiting around 1000 new donors to the bone marrow register.

Eleganza Sposa's fundraising fashion show, which is a preview of their spring and summer collection, with cocktails and a charity raffle, takes place in the Bath Street store on Thursday, March 27 from 7pm.

Tickets cost £5 on the door on the night.