People of Gravesend have united behind a little girl fighting a rare form of cancer.

Isla Austin, two, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma six months ago and will be heading to America later this month for intensive treatment.

When she gets home she will need up to three scans – which can cost £10,000 each – and therapy.

Martin Hughes — a leading light in the Stacey's Smiles charity set up in memory of nine-year-old Stacey Mowle who lost her battle with the disease in 2015 — has taken up Isla's cause.

Isla's uncle Richard Bowes, of Longfield, used to attend Saint George's school with Mr Hughes and made him aware of the campaign.

Mr Hughes has come up with the idea of holding a week of fundraising activities to contribute towards the cost of Isla's after care.

Dubbed Isla Week and with the slogan: ‘Seven events to raise seven grand for Isla. Seven days to save kids lives from cancer,’ activities will take place at venues, or ‘islands’, around the town.

It kicks off on Monday, February 19, with a boxing session at the Guru Nanak Sports Club, Khalsa Avenue.

Participants will get the chance to learn seven different disciplines of the sport before sparring with Kent super middleweight champion Ricky Sandhu.

Other events include a darts tournament at the Bat and Ball pub, seven-a-side football tournament at Saint George’s school, karaoke at the Coach and Horses, confectionery day at Invicta Bar, DJ extravaganza at The Grove and to finish the week Stars In Their Eyes at Kent Cocktail Bar from 3pm to 11pm on Sunday.

Mr Hughes hopes variations of Isla Week will now take place every year for children fighting the disease.

For information email Martin Hughes at mshughes76@gmail.com; to donate click here.