THE plight of a brave youngster from Portskewett who is battling cancer has touched the hearts of the local community.

Four-year-old Eloise Lawn, who lives in Leechpool, near Portskewett, with her parents, Suzanne and Jim, and their younger daughter, two-year- old Eva, was diagnosed with lymphoma in January.

She is currently undergoing her second round of chemotherapy treatment at the Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff.

Her mother said: “Eloise had just started primary school in Portskewett when she began suffering from severe chest infections. In October she was admitted to hospital with pneumonia, but it was clear something more serious was wrong.”

A scan revealed a tumour behind Eloise’s heart, blocking the tube to her left lung.

Another mass in her groin also developed, causing her problems with walking.

Mrs Lawn added: “The hardest part is seeing your child suffer, but after beginning steroid treatment they quickly began shrinking the tumours and thankfully this alleviated the pain.”

The family has praised the staff at the children’s hospital and the Noah’s Ark Appeal, which provides support to families coping with cancer, and the overwhelming support of friends and the local community.

A close friend of the Lawn family, Tessa Legg, along with 17 others from around the Chepstow area, are preparing to take part in the Cardiff St David’s Day Run on March 4 in aid of Noah’s Ark.

To make a donation, or for more information, visit www.justgiving.com/ team-ellie