THE plight of a brave youngster from Portskewett who is battling cancer has touched the hearts of the local community.

Four-year-old Eloise Lawn, who lives in Leechpool, near Portskewett, with her parents Suzanne and Jim, and their youngest daughter 2-year-old Eva, was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer in January of this year.

She is currently undergoing her second round of chemotherapy treatment at the Children's Hospital for Wales in Cardiff.

Speaking to the Free Press her mother told of how the shattering news had affected her family.

She said: "Eloise had just started primary school in Portskewett when she began suffering from severe chest infections. She was never really overcoming them and was becoming increasingly poorly.

"In October she was admitted to hospital with pneumonia but even after being treated with IV antibiotics it was clear something more serious was wrong.

"It was following a CT scan that doctors discovered it was cancer. We just couldn't believe it. You just can't take it in."

The scan revealed that a tumour had grown behind Eloise's heart and was blocking the tube to her left lung causing the pneumonia. Another mass in her groin also developed, causing her problems with walking.

Mrs Lawn added: "The hardest part is seeing your child suffer, but after beginning steroid treatment they quickly began shrinking the tumours and thankfully this alleviated the pain and made her more comfortable.

"She has definitely perked up and if you didn't know better you would never believe she was ill."

The family has praised the staff at the children's hospital and its charity the Noah's Ark Appeal, which provides support to families coping with cancer.

Mrs Lawn said: "The staff and the charity have been brilliant and offered so much support. I can't praise them enough."

She also spoke of how the overwhelming support of friends and the local community had been a source of great comfort.

"It really has showed us just how caring and kind people can be. The news often portrays the bad in people yet we are seeing so much kindness in our community."

Panel Eloise's plight has inspired a raft of local people to take part in fundraising events to raise money for children's cancer charities such as Noah's Ark and LATCH.

Close friend of the Lawn family, Tessa Legg along with 17 others from around the Chepstow area, are preparing to take part in the Cardiff St David's Day Run on March 4 in aid of Noah's Ark.

Mrs Legg said: "Seeing what Eloise and her family are going through makes you realise just how vital these charities are.

"The whole community and even people from further afield have been inspired to fundraise for the charities that are supporting them.

"We hope as many people as possible will donate to the events and help us raise a large amount of money for these worthy causes."

A fundraising pampered chef party is also being organised with several local businesses on board to donate prizes.

To make a donation or for more information visit www.justgiving.com/team-ellie