THE family of a 7-year-old girl suffering a rare and aggressive form of cancer is appealing to the public to help save her life.

As her children playfully fought in a tickling match, Carly Saunders was unaware her family’s lives were on the verge of turning upside down.

But when daughter Amy East threw back her head in laughter, brother Aaron, 11, spotted a lump at the back her throat.

Since then, the Trinity Road Primary pupil has been diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma – a type of cancer diagnosed in just 60 children throughout the UK each year.

Ms Saunders, of Springfield Park Road, spoke of her “dark moments” and daughter’s bravery in the face of the disease, since discovering the tumour in June.

She explained: “One moment I was listening to the sound of my children’s laughter and – literally – the next second I was faced with this terrifying disease that is attacking my little girl.

“In the space of a month our lives have been turned upside-down.

I have dark moments where I feel like this situation is overwhelming me, but then I see how strong Amy is being.

“She continues to smile despite how ill chemotherapy makes her feel, and I realise what a special little lady I have.

“We will fight this and we will win.”

Since speaking to the Weekly News Amy fell ill and rushed to Broomfield Hospital for further medical assistance.

The family were told Proton Beam Therapy, a treatment not available in the UK could help Amy get better.

With travel costing to the tune of £5,000 and Ms Saunders quitting her full-time job to provide around the clock care, funds are short.

Her friend Kerry Davison has launched a GoFundMe page to help Amy get treated - it received £1,390 in just one day.

Search “Kerry Davison” to make a pledge.