THE parents of a schoolgirl who travels to Florida next month for a revolutionary cancer treatment have pledged to raise awareness of how the disease affects children and their families.

Niamh Yates, 12, of Tranent, was diagnosed with an undifferentiated sarcoma - a very rare form of cancerous tumour - on the base of her spine in January. Her life-altering illness was discovered after the youngster had been suffering from back pain and mobility problems.

Since being diagnosed, the Ross High School pupil has undergone seven hours of emergency surgery to prevent her suffering permanent paralysis due to the location of the tumour, extensive physiotherapy, and six cycles of debilitating chemotherapy.

Niamh has now been approved for an NHS-funded nine-week course of Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) in Jacksonville Florida.

PBT, which costs approximately �120,500 and is not yet available in the UK. Compared to conventional radiotherapy, PBT targets tumour cells more precisely using a particle beam, allowing higher doses of radiation while reducing the side-effects to surrounding healthy tissue. As Niamh's tumour is located very close to her spinal cord, she could sustain long-term effects such as damage to her spine, bladder and ovaries if given further radiotherapy.

Though the NHS will fund the cutting-edge treatment, Niamh's parents, Paul and Julie, have set out to raise �17,000 to cover the cost of living expenses so that the whole family, including Niamh's little brother, Conor, aged six, can travel to the US with her.

The couple also want to achieve Niamh's dream of swimming with dolphins during their time in America.

Paul, a salesman, told the Courier: "Niamh has shown a bravery and a maturity way beyond what you would expect a 12-year-old to display.

"She's very pragmatic in her approach to her treatment, despite the often unpleasant side-effects she's had to endure, because she is absolutely determined that she will get better." The Yates are waiting to receive a confirmed date for Niamh's US treatment, but hope that it will take place within the next two to three weeks.

They have raised just over �12,000 so far and have been overwhelmed by the support they've received from friends, family and even strangers who have generously contributed to the campaign.

Among the supporters are parents, pupils and staff at Windygoul Primary School, which Niamh attended, who have held events to raise funds for the campaign - the most recent being a pamper day on Wednesday evening.

Any cash raised beyond the Yates' target will go towards a charity the couple aim to establish once they have returned from the US, to support families going through similar cancer battles and raise awareness of childhood forms of the disease.

Julie and Paul, both 37, have kept a compelling online diary of their experiences of coping as a family with Niamh's diagnosis - which can be found at www.allaboutniamh.co.uk Julie added: "They say childhood cancer is rare but I'm now in a situation where it's the norm. As time goes on I meet more and more people who are in the same situation. All I ever see are rare childhood cancers.

Describing the couple's plans for the charity, she added: "We are also aiming to offer financial help and little treats to others who find themselves in the same terrible situation we found ourselves in in January. The initial costs incurred when you are first diagnosed, such as parking fees, are crippling.

"We have been overwhelmed by the donations and offers of help - it's truly humbling." To make a donation to the Yates' trip, visit www.gofundme.com/allaboutniamh