A 24-hour spinathon is being held to raise money for a brave four-year-old who has battled an aggressive cancer for two years.

Isla Caton, four, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in 2016. It is a rare child cancer which attacks the nerves.

Halstead Gazette:

Brave - Isla Caton

The tumour, which began in her stomach, spread to her bones and bone marrow. Isla underwent 15 months of chemo and radiotherapy at Great Ormand Street.

But six weeks after being placed in remission, she suffered a relapse when another tumour was found in her brain.

Unfortunately, Neuroblastoma has a very high relapse rate and Isla, from Hornchurch, was told she had a four per cent chance of surviving.

In hope of a miracle, Isla and her family travelled to Barcelona, where she underwent treatment as a trial. Luckily, the treatment was successful and Isla again went into remission.

The family now need ensure her cancer does not return for the third time, so are raising cash to help complete her treatment in New York, where she requires auto immune therapy and a vaccine. Family friend, Suzanne Newman, 38, from Leigh, has organised the 24 hour spinathon to raise money at her gym, ABC Gym, in Progress Road, Leigh.

She said: “It truly is heartbreaking and it’s so horrible what she and the family have had to go through. We all have children, so it’s your worst nightmare even thinking your child would have to go through something like this.

“They still need £250,000 to pay for her treatment, so me and my partner Gary Whiteman wanted to help in any way we could.

“Jerry East, the owner of the gym said he’d love to help and suggested we host the spinathon there.

“We’re hoping to fill all the 24 bikes, with a minimum sponsor of £10 for an hour, for 24 hours to help raise as much as we can. The family will be grateful for anything.

“It’s so important to raise this money and get her clear. This cancer is so aggressive and it just keeps coming back.”

It will take place on April 18 from 6am. Call ABC Gym on 01702 525863.