THE family of a Canvey youngster are hoping to raise £4,000 so she can fly to America for pioneering brain cancer treatment.

Jade Day launched an online appeal on Thursday as she and eight-year-old daughter Indiana Corr-Day, prepare for a threemonth trip to the States.

Doctors diagnosed Indiana with cancer in December, after discovering an astrocytoma glioma tumour in her brainstem.

Indiana underwent surgery in the new year at Great Ormond Street Hospital to remove most of the tumour.

But the next stage of her treatment involves pioneering proton beam therapy at the ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Oklahoma.

Miss Day, 29, a shop assistant, says her daughter’s diagnosis came from her being unable to grip a pen properly and praised her courage throughout her cancer fight.

She said: “That was the thing we couldn’t really get our heads around, the fact she didn’t have any real symptoms such as headaches or blackouts.

“It has all happened so quickly really, she had her diagnosis in December, operation in January and needs this next step.

“Indiana was offered radiotherapy, but it is quite intensive and there’sachance it could damage her quality of life in the future.

“We were advised by the Great Ormond Street specialists that the treatment in Oklahoma is less likely to cause her long-term harm.

“In the operation they removed a large chunk of the tumour, but there was some they couldn't reach with surgery.

“They are now confident they will be able to remove most, if not all that is left.” Miss Day added: “She’s been so brave and it’s put a real strain on all of us, particularly her ten-year-old sister Poppy who shares a room with her.

“They are extremely close and we are hoping some of the money raised can bring her out during the treatment – as it’salong time for them to be apart.”

The appeal raised £1,000 in its first 24 hours and mother and daughter hope to make the trip in two weeks’ time. Miss Day said: “The flights have been covered, but we’ll be out there for three months so the appeal is to help cover general costs.

“The fact it has raised just over £1,000 already shows the generosity of residents, and I’d like to thank everybody who has donated.

“It means so much to us all.”

For more information, visit gofundme.com/mrvxhmte