A FATHER has said he feels “truly blessed” after his daughter’s old nursery school raised over £4,000 to help save her life.

Children, parents and staff at Chestnut Nursery School in Woodford Green took part in a fun day on Tuesday (July 12) to help raise money for six-year-old Kaleigh Lau’s tumour treatment.

Former Chestnut pupil Kaleigh was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) on April 16.

While her father Scott is calling on the Government to fund more research into DIPG with an online petition, staff at the nursery say they want to do “everything in their power” to help the family through such a difficult time.

Nursery manager Georgia Froud said: “We support lots of charities throughout the year, like Comic Relief and Children in Need, but this one is really close to home.

“Kaleigh’s brother Carson still comes to the nursery, so we see the family all the time and want to do everything in our power to help them.

“Her diagnosis has hit staff really hard, so we are delighted everyone has been so generous with their donations to help fund her treatment.”

Monday’s fundraiser, which included a fancy dress competition, raffle, face painting, bake sale and a visit from the fire brigade, raised £2,055.

It was topped off by nursery directors David Saunders and Steven Davies who generously gave another £1,000 to match local children’s charity Hopscotch’s donation.

Speaking after the event, Mr Lau said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to Chestnut Nursery for organising an amazing fundraising day for our daughter.

“We are truly blessed with the way they have rallied around and supported us since the day we received the devastating news.

“We also extend our sincere gratitude to all the local businesses and charities for their generosity and kindness in supporting us through this difficult period".

To sign the petition that could save Kaleigh’s and other DIPG sufferers lives, click here.

http://kaleigh.ethanet.co.uk/