THE FAMILY of a young girl bravely battling a brain tumour have thanked all those who turned out for a martial arts fundraiser in Weymouth.

Several martial arts clubs came together at Wessex Traditional Martial Arts in Lynch Lane for a day of taster sessions to raise money for Lexi Hopkins and her family.

The eight-year-old from Wool was diagnosed with a DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) tumour in January this year.

The tumour's position at the top of her brainstem means it is inoperable and incurable.

The family have been raising funds to support Lexi's care and to create as many happy memories as they can for their special little girl.

Steve Bucke, who works with Lexi's dad Michael, organised the martial arts fundraiser to show his support for the cause.

He said: "I thought it would be a good way of raising money by getting some people together to raise funds for Lexi and her family.

"I have been doing martial arts for years so I knew I would be able to get a certain number of people together."

Steve said that he was pleased with the turn out for the day, which featured five different taster sessions in various martial arts disciplines.

Lexi came along to the event with her dad, mum Calry and sisters Mea and Beau.

Dad Michael said he was touched by the support shown for Lexi through the event, as well as from all those who have helped to raise nearly £15,000 through an online fundraising page.

He said: "They have all been superb at work and we have been completely blown away by all the support that we have had, especially in a small community in which we live like Wool. It has gone viral really.

"It all goes to Lexi and to have fun times with her really."

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Christine James also came along to the event to show her support and said the fundraising efforts showed the true meaning of community.

She said: "It's really good of them to have organised it.

"Anything something like this happens it shows the community involvement."

Lexi recently showed great courage to handover the Dorset Echo's petition calling for children's inpatient services to remain at Dorset County Hospital to the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The family have been full of praise for the support they have received from the Kingfisher Ward and they are planning for her to have palliative care there so they do not have to travel to the other side of the county.

To support Lexi's fund visit youcaring.com/family-fundraiser/-chasing-the-sun-lexi-may-hopkin-age-7/299459