The family of two-year-old Chelsea Knighton, of Irthlingborough, has been hard at work trying to raise £180,000 so she can travel to America for treatment for her rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma.

To help prepare her body for the treatment she needs to eat only organic vegetables, which are costing the family a lot of money at a time when they are trying to save every penny they can for Chelsea.

Her aunt, Angela Connolly, said: "We would be really grateful to hear from anyone who has an allotment and could help provide organic vegetables for her every week to help us keep the costs down.

"They are part of her detox programme which is so important for the treatment.

"We are also keen to hear from anyone who can help us with future fundraising events, offer us venues to use around Kettering, Wellingborough or East Northamptonshire or who can donate money or raffle prizes.

"The money is coming in steadily and we are grateful for all the help we have had so far.

"But we need to raise the money as quickly as possible and would appeal to the community to get behind us in our efforts."

Among those who are helping to raise money for Chelsea's treatment is Paula Wooding, of Rushden, and her family, who are friends.

Mrs Wooding's father, Jerry Abrams, has so far raised £450 from a collection at Rushden Working Men's Club, where he is president, and husband Nick is organising an auction of fishing items.

She said: "We felt if it was a member of our family with this condition we would want people to help us. We are trying to do everything we can to help Chelsea and her family."

A further £300 was also raised during a bucket collection at a Rushden & Diamonds match.

Future fundraising events include a sponsored bean bath event at JJ's in Higham Ferrers between 9am and 5pm on September 14, pamper evenings for mums, raffles and a Christmas disco.

Anyone who can help, and in particular any qualified beauticians who can offer their services for the pamper evenings, can call Mrs Connolly on 07919 248937.