A MAJOR fundraising effort is under way in Newport to help a brave tot battling a brain tumour.

Britany Dalberti is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy as she battles the tumour. Her dad, Robert, who used to live in Newport, and mum Linda Evans, were devastated when her illness was diagnosed about three months ago.

Since then 14-month-old Britany, who lives in Haverfordwest, has been receiving treatment at Llandough Hospital, Penarth.

"She's really been against it," said Ms Evans. "The treatment destroys the immune system and she's had a couple of infections.

"We have nearly lost her a couple of times and she was in intensive care." She said the chemotherapy had nasty side-effects. "Despite all that she has pulled through and is happy and smiling. She is fantastic."

Fundraising has just started for Britany and may be used to take her on a dream holiday. "We don't know what the prognosis is yet, the future is very uncertain and we would like to give her everything now," said Ms Evans.

Britany was due to return to hospital for more chemotherapy on Saturday. On the same day, Mr Dalberti's cousin, Lorraine Couch, of Bettws, together with other members of the family and friends, held a sponsored bag packing in the Asda store in Duffryn, Newport.

Mrs Couch said they wanted to help buy items for Britany "who has been through so much".

Money raised from the event was being split between Britany's fund and Joshua Skinner, the Newport 11-year-old who has cancer of the liver and lungs.