Babyballet stars are rallying round a fellow little dancer who has finally finished treatment after battling cancer for more than half of her life.

Ivy McCarthy, from Ramsgate, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia just before she turned two.

The brave youngster, who is now four, recently had her last chemotherapy session after what mum Sarah says has been an "impossibly long road".

In tribute to Ivy's bravery, children and staff from Yellow Rose Dance Company in Ramsgate, which runs Babyballet and where she attends the Movers class, are fundraising for charity Fatboy's Cancer, which supported the youngster and her family "at their darkest times".

Sarah says the charity has helped put a smile on Ivy's face.

"Over 1,800 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK and Fatboy’s help as many as they can," she said.

"A group of volunteer ‘elves’ deliver Christmas presents to children with cancer all over the country.

"We’d love to give back to them and help more children next year who are going through the worst time of their lives."

Ivy was diagnosed with leukaemia in February 2020 aged 22 months.

"She was lethargic and had a temperature on and off for a few weeks and small bruises started to appear," recalls Sarah.

"Hearing the words 'your child has cancer' was the worst moment of our lives.

"She is four now and has been battling cancer for over half of her life. She's been in and out of hospital, the treatment is harsh and the chemotherapy makes her really unwell.

"Despite all of this Ivy is a kind, clever, happy little girl who knows her own mind and she doesn’t let cancer stop her.

"Although she has missed out on so much, she loves seeing her friends, going to the park and, of course, ballet."

She said following the end of Ivy's treatment this month, the ballet company wanted to help Ivy celebrate by raising awareness of childhood cancer and fundraising for a special cause.

The Curtsey Against Cancer fundraiser has started and next week young dancers will bring in their favourite teddy and wear fancy dress.

Donations towards the appeal can be made to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/curtseyagainstcancer