THIS Winchester nine-year-old is in the middle of a gruelling treatment plan for a rare form of cancer.

Yet, using her very little spare time between hospital appointments, Lily Lomas has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The schoolgirl, who lives in Bereweeke Avenue with her mum, dad and two siblings, first noticed a lump towards the end of 2020.

"A small lump had appeared on Lily's leg in September last year, which grew rapidly," said her mum Kirsty Lomas. "She had no other signs of cancer."

"It has been called an undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma because it's so rare, even sarcoma specialists around the country don't know what type of sarcoma it is. Even after a biopsy last November and removal of the sarcoma in March."

Since her diagnosis, Lily has seen more than £11,000 in donations through a GoFundMe page. Last week she hosted a bake sale that raised £1,681.

"Our take on the experience, well, we genuinely never expected this to happen to us," said Kirsty.

"I know that's a cliché, but it's true. Lily had no signs of cancer, just a lump which wasn't even painful. Having a cancer diagnosis is devastating enough, but trying to navigate it during a global pandemic has added a whole other set of challenges.

"We are so grateful for the amazing staff at both Piam Brown ward and Northbrook ward, as well as the amazing charities we're supporting. They have helped us try to get to grips with this gruelling journey. We would very much like for some positives to come out of the devastation, whether that's awareness of childhood cancer, of these fantastic charities, raising money or maybe helping someone else.

"Lily's blown us away with how she's taken it all on her stride. She's absolutely amazing and so matter of fact about it all.

"She doesn't realise how brave she is and she almost always still has a smile on her face."

Lily is now set to stay in London for six weeks of radiotherapy.

Kirsty continued: "Another thing that has been really lovely is how much support we've had. Our family and friends, but also the local community.

"Farley Nursery, Sparsholt, where all three went before starting school; Integr8 Dance where Lily has had both dance and drama classes over the years; Give a Little, a Facebook group, and complete strangers.

"So much kindness has been extended to us and we're so grateful. What's been even more incredible is the support Lily's received from her friends and peers. Fundraising, donating hair to The Little Princess Trust, cards and gifts, kids are phenomenal."

All donations to Lily's cause will be split between the Piam Brown Ward at Southampton General Hospital; Northbrook Ward at Royal Hampshire County Hospital; Abby's Heroes; Alfie's Wish; and Clic Sargent.

To donate click here.

To follow Lily's journey, click here to view her Facebook page.