ONE family has an extra special reason to look forward to Christmas this year after doctors said it might mark the end of their cancer nightmare.

Two months ago, the parents of little Ella Ferrebee told how their world fell apart after their baby daughter was diagnosed with cancer.

The one-year-old, of Stuart Road, in Acomb, had recently started a course of chemotherapy to treat an extremely rare form of the disease, called neuroblastoma.

But today, Ella's parents, Sara and Keith, said there was finally a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sara, 24, said: "Ella has needed chemotherapy to shrink the tumour in her abdomen so surgeons can remove it.

"She's got to have another course of chemotherapy next week and then the consultant thinks she might be ready to have the operation in November.

"We've been in turmoil the last few months, but now we finally have a light at the end of the tunnel.

"If we have Ella home for Christmas, cancer-free, then that would be the best present in the world."

Neuroblastoma is a rare and aggressive childhood cancer that is diagnosed in about 100 children every year in the UK.

Sara said: "We have been lucky. As daft as it sounds, it's the best kind of cancer Ella could have had.

"They told us that for children aged 18 months or under, you stand a much better chance of coming through it than if you are older.

"Ella is full of herself at the moment. She's nearly walking now and she's a little monster.

"Where as you or I would probably feel really sorry for ourselves, Ella doesn't at all. She's a little fighter.

"She's had to have so many tests and scans, but she isn't bothered. She has such an angelic smile and she's got the nurses wrapped around her finger."

Ella's bravery has inspired The Acomb, in Kingsway West, to put on a three-day fundraiser for the Neuroblastoma Society.

It will take place from October 25 to 27, and will include a quiz night on Thursday, a knock-out darts and pool contest on Friday and a family fun day on Saturday.

Activities will include face-painting, nail art, a bouncy slide and castle, a tombola and a bric-a-brac sale.

There will also be a barbecue and the chance to take part in a sponsored three-mile walk around Acomb, starting at 9.30am.

The fundraising extravaganza will go out with a bang on Saturday evening with a monster mash disco in the pub, with hallowe'en fancy dress.