THE Middlewich community is rallying round to support the family of a little girl who is battling cancer.

Lorayah Bevan, whose mum works at Cottons Hotel in Knutsford, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in September last year, just as she was about to start ballet lessons.

Knutsford Guardian:

Lorayah was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in September last year

The three-year-old is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy. Treatment will last at least two and a half years and she will continue tests throughout her childhood.

Middlewich business owner Victoria Haslam-Boyd, a friend Lorayah's parents Rachel and Andrew, has set up a crowdfunding page to support her family.

Knutsford Guardian:

Victoria Haslam-Boyd is hosting a charity event for Lorayah's family to celebrate the first anniversary of her nutrition supplement shop, Big Kingz Nutrution

Victoria is hosting a charity event to celebrate the first anniversary of her nutrition supplement shop, Big Kingz Nutrition on Wheelock Street, from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, March 7.

Businesses across the town have kindly donated raffle prizes and customers have pledged their support.

Sports therapist Victoria, 42, said: "I am trying to raise at least £500 to help towards the travel, food and parking costs at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. I know these costs can add up very quickly."

Lorayah travels to and from hospital three or four times a week and often has emergency admissions when her temperature suddenly soars.

Knutsford Guardian:

Lorayah often has emergency admissions when her temperature suddenly soars

Lorayah's mum Rachel, 31, who also has a 19-month-old son Brandon, said: "We totally appreciate all the support we have received. It has been amazing. Family and friends have been unbelievable.

"We are so grateful to Victoria. We used to work together and this shows what a strong relationship we had for her to think of us like this. Her kindness and support means everything."

Knutsford Guardian:

Lorayah with dad Andrew, mum Rachel and brother Brandon Picture: Amelia Rose Photography

Rachel, a spa treatments manager at Cottons Hotel in Knutsford for 11 years, has taken time off to care for Lorayah, whilst her husband Andrew, 32, works as an insurance manager.

"Both our work places have been fantastic and very supportive," said Rachel."It was a massive shock when Lorayah was diagnosed as she didn't present obvious symptoms.

"We thought we'd lost who she was in the first few weeks as she stopped walking and wouldn't talk or play or do anything. She was terrified of the nurses and doctors.

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Knutsford Guardian:

Lorayah was about to start ballet lessons when she was diagnosed with leukemia

"I was the one who had to hold her down which I struggled with. She had to have so many needles and has to be fed by a tube but she has accepted what's going on now and slowly started to come back when she came home.

"As a family we want to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. We think we caught this in the first six weeks. If you think there is something wrong with your child go with your gut instinct and get it checked out."

To support Lorayah's family visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lorayahsjourney