A South Ockendon mum has described being “overwhelmed by the amazing” response from the community who have rallied round to help her sick three-year-old daughter who is battling leukaemia.

Little Kennedy, of Broxburn Drive, South Ockendon, was first diagnosed with leukaemia last November, after doctors previously suspected a viral infection.

The family have now set their hearts on taking “brave” little Kennedy to Disneyland in America when her treatment finishes, as she is too young to qualify for Make A Wish Foundation.

The toddler is now receiving chemotherapy and treatment from both Basildon and Great Ormond Street hospitals, which will continue for another two years, although she is showing early signs of recovery.

North Stifford brownies joined in with fundraising efforts last month to run a two mile three-legged race for their friend Teigan’s little sister on Hathaway Road and Orsett Road which raised over £500 for the cause.

Proud mum Jemma Hatton, 30, said: “We are just raising as much as we can, what’s leftover, we want to take her on her holiday when the treatment is over and she’s better.

“She’s just turned three and so she won’t be old enough for Make A Wish to be able to grant her wish. Kennedy will only be 5 or 6 when the treatment is over. I don’t think we could have left it too late to do it.

“It was my idea to take her. It was Hayley Childerly who said we want to raise money, is there anything we can do for her.

"And we have been totally overwhelmed with the North Stifford brownies’ support and generosity.

“It means so much to us that they thought of Kennedy when choosing what they wanted to do fundraising for. We appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts."

Mum Jemma Hatton, 30, of Brocksburn Drive, described the heartbreak when her daughter was first diagnosed, age two.

She said: “It was so shocking when she got the diagnosis. She fell and hurt her knee and it took her two weeks to start walking again, and then she came up with a rash on her leg.

“The doctors said it’s looking like leukaemia.

But lately the mum said Kennedy has been doing “really well” on the treatment.

She said: “At the start she contracted shingles which is quite dangerous for anyone on chemotherapy.

“But she’s really strong and she’s doing really well. We are very proud of her.

She added: “It’s been amazing the way the whole community has rallied around. All this community has rallied around. A lot of people who don’t even know her want to help.”

To donate to help send Kennedy to Disneyland when she finishes her chemotherapy, help the Lewin-Hattons get from £1,200 to their £3,000 target by visiting: https://www.gofundme.com/93z3gw8k.