Family fun day at Burnley pub The Commercial will raise funds for cancer hit family and Milly's Smiles charity

Liam Walsh was diagnosed with stage two non-Hodgkin lymphoma in September. Within six months the dad of three and his wife Jemma received the devastating news that their youngest daughter, Raenah (two) had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Liam has undergone several rounds of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy as he continues to battle the disease and he is due to see a radiologist at the Royal Preston Hospital this month. It was while Liam was undergoing radiotherapy that Raenah fell ill with what her parents believed was a sickness bug.

A trip to hospital revealed pin like bruises on the toddler, but within hours Raenah’s condition deteriorated and results showed a high white blood cell count. The tot was blue-lighted from the Royal Blackburn to the Manchester Children’s Hospital. And her condition was diagnosed within days of treatments, tests and scans. Admitted for induction chemotherapy, Raenah spent four weeks in hospital, including a spell in the high dependency unit, with Jemma keeping a constant bedside vigil.

This meant Liam was travelling to Preston alone for his treatment before making the journey to Manchester to see Raenah and then returning home to care for the couple’s son Hadleigh (nine) and five-year-old daughter Ehzrai, who is non verbal and autistic.

Raenah has undergone intensive chemotherapy, blood tests, lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies, blood transfusions and countless hospital appointments. She faced a major setback when she was contracted sepsis and complications from her treatment but her proud mum says the courageous youngster has faced every challenge with ‘incredible strength.’

Raenah is responding well to treatment but still faces more chemotherapy. Jemma said: “Her doctors have been pleased with her recent blood results, and she is continuing treatment as planned. Although she still has a long two year journey ahead, we remain hopeful and take comfort in every milestone she reaches.”

Determined to show the family they are not alone a band of volunteers are hosting a family fun day on Saturday (July 18) at The Commercial pub in Harle Syke. Funds raised on the day will be split between the family and Milly’s Smiles, at the request of the Walsh’s, who want to thank the charity for its support during a heartbreaking time for them all.

It was founded by Lorraine Wilson in memory of her daughter, Milly, who passed away from acute myeloid leukaemia in 2015. The charity was created to support families during the overwhelming first few weeks after a child is diagnosed with cancer by providing ‘Milly Bags’ filled with essential and comforting items for families.

Tara Houlihan, one of the fun day organisers, said: “I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity and support from our community and local businesses. This is what a community looks like when one family needs them. Come and join us for a family fun filled day while supporting this amazing family.”

Running from 1pm to 5pm attractions include a bouncy castle, visits from a police car and fire engine, pizza, cake and an ice cream van, a raffle and tombola, games, including speed pool, stalls and music and face painting. Blackburn based Wish Upon A Star Events have waived their fee to provide entertainment with a range of mascots and popular Disney characters.