A SULLY youngster diagnosed with cancer days after her 12th birthday earlier this year is organising a three-day fundraiser for the charity which has been caring for her.
Ffion Jackson, was told she had Hodgkins Lymphoma Cancer in March, just one week after her birthday.
The Stanwell School pupil had actually been ill on her brithday, and had been complaining of feeling run-down and too unwell to remain in school.
Further warning signs were raised when Ffion told her dad she could feel a lump in her throat.
Concerned to get the situation sorted out as soon as possible the family took Ffion to A&E and were told it could be glandula fever.
But a week later, following some scans and blood tests, they were told it was cancer.
Despite the ordeal, Ffion - sister of local beauty queen Jade Blackmore - has remained upbeat throughout the ordeal, said her family.
The former Sully Primary pupil is already undergoing chemotherapy and faces a further four to six months of treatment, but during her first week in hospital she decided to start raising money for charity LATCH, which is caring for her through her illness.
Based at the Children's Hospital for Wales LATCH supports children and their families living with cancer.
Ffion said: "The good news is my cancer is treatable. Since my diagnosis LATCH has been amazing looking after me and my family. They arrange fun things for me to do when I have to stay in hospital and they provide support for my family."
Together with Jade, Ffion is organising a series of events in July.
"I want to say thank you and give back something to an amazing charity which give so much," added Ffion.
The sisters have planned a 5k run in Cosmeston Lakes Country Park on July 11, a group-hair dye using the colour purple in honour of LATCH the day after on July 12, and a fun day at BP Sports and Social Club, Sully, on Saturday July 13, complete with bbq, cake sale, toy stalls, a bouncy castle, raffle, auction and disco.
Jade said: "Ffion has been so brave. Her attitude throughout has been amazing. Some days you wouldn't even know she is ill. I think that is helping the rest of us deal with it. She is remarkable."
More than £330 has alreay been raised thanks to donations on a Just Giving page.
One donator wrote: "Ffion Jackson you are an inspiration."
As part of her fundraising mission Ffion is also shaving her head later this month for family friend Evie Broad who suffers from cerebral palsy and needs life changing surgery in America to secure a better future.
Half the money from the head shave will go to LATCH, and the rest will be donated to the Little Princess Trust who provide real hair wigs for children suffering with hair loss.
For more information on the three-day fundraiser in July or to take part in any of the events email jade_blackmore@hotmail.co.uk or call Jade on 07971990092
The JustGIving page is www.justgiving.com/jade-blackmore2
To donate to Ffion's head shave see the site set up by Evie's mum Zara -
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/2specialgirls