LITTLE Jasmine Charles is bravely fighting against cancer.
The five-year-old girl was in hospital yesterday having chemotherapy as she battles against a disease that struck one of her kidneys and might have already spread to her lungs.
All she wants is to feel well and be able to play with her friends and sister Lily.
But next month Jasmine, from Winchcombe, needs to go through an operation to remove her tumour.
Jasmine's parents Spike and Ev were stunned when she was diagnosed with cancer just 24 hours after first feeling a pain in her side.
Spike, 47, said: "It came as a huge shock.
"On a Tuesday night she told us her side was a bit sore so the missus took her to the doctor. It was less than 24 hours later that she was diagnosed.
"It was absolutely devastating. Your world falls apart. You just can't put it into words.
"The chemotherapy started within a week and it's due to last for at least a year after her operation.
"She has lost hair and a hell of a lot of weight and it has been tough to watch.
"The operation is on July 23 and they will remove the tumour and the kidney.
"But the doctors think there's a chance the cancer has spread to her lungs because she has lesions, so we'll see what happens.
"We have said that we are just going to be positive for Jasmine. We have to stay positive for her. She has good days and bad days, but she is being brave. She is not really aware of how serious the situation is.
"We have explained that there is something bad growing inside her and medicine will sort it out."
The Winchcombe community is rallying around the family to help them at a difficult time, and raise enough money to send them on holiday to Disneyland in either Florida or Paris.
Spike, a painter and decorator and retained firefighter, said the family had been overwhelmed by the support.
"The people of Winchcombe have been brilliant," he said.
"I have lived here almost 40 years so I know a lot of people but I was absolutely stunned by the reaction of the community. They have done everything and anything to help us.
"We have another daughter, Lily, who is six and people have helped with looking after her.
"When Jasmine was first diagnosed Ev had to go to Bristol hospital with her, and people were leaving meals on the doorstep here for me."
The Corner Cupboard Inn is hosting a fundraising party on Sunday.
There will be live music, a disco, a bucking bronco, and an all-day barbecue.
It has been organised by 21-year-old Ellie Harris, who works in the kitchen at the pub and is also Jasmine's nanny.
Sam Bradshaw, pub manager, said: "Winchcombe is a small place and everyone looks out for each other. I have known Spike for a while and everyone wants to support him and Jasmine in any way possible."
The party starts at noon.
