A FAMILY fun day will be held in memory of a “brave little fighter” who died of a rare form of a cancer aged just three to raise money to help children battling life-threatening illnesses.

Aarav Asal was diagnosed with a liver tumour when he was just two years old.

When he was born in July 2009, he was a healthy baby, but around his second birthday, his parents Sunita and Raj Asal noticed Aarav was starting to lose weight, even though he was eating normally.

Doctors discovered Aarav had hepatoblastoma — a rare form of cancer — meaning he would need gruelling courses of treatment.

In January 2012, the family, who live in Kearsley, were told he had relapsed and the cancer had returned.

By September, the couple were dealt another blow when they were told Aarav was not responding to the chemotherapy and the following month they were told there was nothing more that could be done to save him.

He died on December 12 that year.

His parents, who live in Kearsley, inspired by their son’s bravery set up the charity Aarav’s Little Help to help youngsters fighting illnesses anyway they can.

This has included distributing and natural body products for the poorly children at Alder Hey Children’s Centre, delivering Christmas presents in hospital and fulfilling “little wishes” of the children which can bring smiles on their faces.

The charity also helps families meet any expenses they may have.

Mr Asal, aged 41, said: “This charity is extremely important to us, it keeps Aarav's name alive.

“No one could believe he was ill, he was always smiling and running around. He was so brave.”

His wife, aged 38, added: "Aarav’s Little Help is a small effort to help young children who are terminally ill and to support their families.

“We always try to put smile on the faces of these special little people, who are so brave

“We understand the value of every little help and every little support you get from family, friends and other organisations. This motivated us to open a small charity in the memory of our little angel.”

The charity received a letter of thanks from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Mr Asal said: “We feel we are doing something and hopefully making a difference.”

The couple, who have an 18 month-old baby boy Aarush, say he will know all about his brother, and hopefully take over the charity when he is older.

On November 14, the charity will organise a family fun day at St Gregory’s Social Club where the special guest will be the snooker player Dominic Dale.

There will activities and games including paintballing staged by the army, fire engine, bouncy castle, children’s rides, face painting, food stalls, photo booth, stalls, a DJ as well as food including cakes, waffles, and Indian snacks.

Donations of unwanted toys or gift items are being sought as raffle prizes. The fun day starts at noon.

For more information visit aaravslittlehelp.org.uk.