A CHRISTCHURCH mum battling cancer is continuing the fight to get her youngest son into her school of choice.

Michelle Amey, from Friars Cliff, wants to see little George, 4, go to Mudeford Infants School along with older brother, Charlie.

After undergoing brain surgery to remove a tumour earlier this year, Michelle, 35, can no longer drive and wants the boys to be able to support one another.

She is unable to cope with the length of journey between schools, which is made virtually impossible by similar start times.

Her husband Stuart works in Southampton and is unable to take the boys himself.

Two years ago the couple moved to a new house just over half a mile away from their old one, pushing them just out of the catchment for Mudeford Infants School.

Now, as the deadline for George having to attend school draws closer, the family say they are desperate for a bit of good news.

Despite being in the right catchment area, Michelle and Stuart have also just had an appeal for Highcliffe St Mark’s turned down. Now, they are keeping their fingers crossed the Mudeford appeal will be more successful.

“We really need to get him started at school. To go from nothing to year one is quite a jump”, Michelle said.

“At the moment the side effects of the drugs I am taking are awful. It’s difficult for me to leave the house on some days and if I can get to the bus stop then it’s a good day.”

She added: “I have mentioned to George about going to another school but he is upset by it.

“Mudeford is familiar to him, he knows people. At the moment he doesn’t need unsettling anymore.

“He has to go to a school next year. I’ve not even thought about what will happen if this appeal is not successful.”

The couple say local MP Chris Chope has promised to hand details of their case to Education Secretary Michael Gove. A petition they started amassed around 1,500 signatures.

John Nash, director for children's services at Dorset County Council, said: “Mr and Mrs Amey have pursued their right of appeal for Highcliffe St Mark but have been unsuccessful.

“The local authority are awaiting Mr and Mrs Amey’s revised appeal for Mudeford Infants.

“We have maintained our offer of transport for Mrs Amey and both children should she wish either to take up the available places at Somerford School for both children or accept the place for one whilst maintaining the place for her other son at Mudeford Infants.”