THE parents of a six-year-old girl have helped raise more than £3,000 for charities aiming to help children with cancer diagnoses.

Sophie Gamble was diagnosed with leukaemia in August 2019 and is in her second year of chemotherapy, which she undergoes at home, visiting the Royal Manchester Hospital every two weeks for blood tests.

Sophie’s mum, Lisa, from Bromley Cross, decided to host a bake sale at their home, featuring tombola and raffle prizes and a variety of cakes, including Aussie Crunch, Princess Cupcake, lemon drizzle and cheesecake.

They raised money for two Manchester-based charities, Fight Like a Kid and Milly’s Smiles.

Milly’s Smiles provides a bag to families whose children have been admitted to Manchester, Alder Hey and Leeds children’s hospitals, containing blankets, toys, coffee mugs and other things they may need during their stay.

Fight Like a Kid is another UK charity which supports the families of children with cancer diagnoses.

Lisa said: “Next year, when Sophie is off the chemotherapy, we will do the same thing, but bigger and better, and aim to raise even more money.

“The support we have received from the community has been amazing and our friends and family have been fantastic.

“This money that we have raised means so much to us.”

“To have a child diagnosed with leukaemia is dreadful and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

“We have to let the chemo take its course and hope for the best.

“This bake sale allows us to give something back, and we would never stop because there will always be families receiving that news.”

Caroline Tattersall, Sophie’s best friend, who helped out at the sale, added: “Lisa and her husband, Rob, are the most amazing force of nature and have really gone through it.

“They are so brave and strong and I think to keep on giving back to other charities shows what kind of lovely and generous people they are.”

Businesses which supported the cake sale included Definitely Maybe and Around A Pound.