PARENTS at a Dorchester school have pulled together to raise money for a seven year-old pupil with leukaemia.

Amelia Holt, a Year 2 pupil at St Mary’s Catholic First School, was diagnosed with acute lympho-blastic leukaemia in February.

When parents heard the news they sprung into action to organise Amelia’s Family Fun Day, raising funds for Amelia’s treatment costs and gaining sponsorship for fellow parent Holly Parkin, who is running the London Marathon for children’s cancer charity Clic Sargeant.

Holly, who came up with the idea for the fun day, said: “My children go to St Mary’s and we all are close-knit.

“Amelia’s treatment is at Southampton, so for a Dorchester family to travel that far is very difficult.”

The community has rallied round and St Mary’s school is hosting the event as well as offering £1 swim sessions in their heated outdoor pool.

Dorchester businesses are also helping. The Studio dance school will perform a Disney routine, Tincleton Stables will offer pony rides and Waitrose has donated raffle prizes.

Parents are even running craft and cookery workshops on the day, and Amelia chose an ‘Animals, Birds and Bugs’-themed fancy dress parade.

Parent and organiser Val Zoe-Rose said: “I think all the parents felt they needed to do something to support the family and raise money for Clic Sargent. They are very touched and overwhelmed by everybody’s kindness.”

Amelia’s Family Fun Day is on Saturday from 11.00am to 3.00pm at Lucetta Lane, Dorchester. The event is free. To donate, contact Val-Zoe Rose on 01305 250526.