THE proud family of a seven-year-old girl who died of an aggressive cancer are raising thousands of pounds to help others in her memory.

Emily Brown lost a two-year battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in February last year and her grieving family and friends are determined to make a difference.

Emily, a fun-loving pupil of Sixpenny Handley First School, was a bubbly little girl who loved to dance, sing and play.

A staggering £20,000 has already been raised for Bloodwise and now there is a new target to raise a further £15,000 for Bloodwise and child bereavement charity MOSAIC.

Bloodwise is a blood cancer research charity and Emily’s family hope their efforts will go some way towards finding more suitable treatments for children.

MOSAIC has been selected because it has helped not only Emily’s little brother, Owen, but also her school friends.

The family’s ultimate aim is to help make cancer treatment less damaging for children.

Emily’s dad, Anthony, said: “Emily was a bubbly, vibrant, dancing, singing, butterfly and rainbow-loving little girl who bravely and stoically faced her gruelling treatment. We are all so, so proud of her and absolutely devastated by this loss.

“From the outset we were appalled by the armoury of drugs used on Emily, and their short and long term side effects. Research into cancers is at a threshold with moves towards less impactful and more specific treatments both pharmaceutical and biotechnological.

“Emily was a generous soul and raised money herself for various cancer charities.”

The first fund raising event was completed when Emily was poorly in 2016. Her aunt, Katie Patient, took part in the Blenheim triathlon.

The following year Katie and Anthony took part in the same event and others joined in last year. This year a team of 12 will take part in the event and others will run the Woolacombe Half Marathon.

Emily’s mum, Clair, will tackle the swimming leg of the triathlon.

The head teacher and chair of governors at Emily’s school will be tackling the Paris Marathon.

To support the team, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/EmilyAvellana