A BRAVE Newport toddler is preparing to head out to France for a major operation as she battles a rare form of cancer.

Chloe Lavelle, three, of St Julians, was diagnosed with botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma on December 17 after doctors discovered a tumour.

It is believed fewer than 60 children in the UK are diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma each year and even fewer are diagnosed in the form of botryoid.

After eight rounds of chemotherapy at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, little Chloe has been given a provisional date of June 20 to undergo an operation in Paris to remove the tumour.

She will then undergo a course of radiotherapy before she flies back home with her parents Jennifer Allen, 25, and Christopher Lavelle, 26 for one more course of chemotherapy.

Chloe was diagnosed after Miss Allen discovered the toddler was bleeding in June last year and took her to the doctors before she was transferred to the Royal Gwent Hospital.

An ultrasound and other tests were carried out before the diagnosis was made.

Miss Allen now plans to fly over to Paris on June 18 so Chloe can enjoy a day at Disneyland before the operation, which can only be performed in the French capital due to the position of the cancer.

They are expected to stay out there for up to three weeks while Chloe recovers.

The operation and travel expenses for the family are being funded by the NHS, but fundraising events have been held in the local community – including a welly throwing contest at Chloe’s nursery Archway Nursery, Caerleon Road, to help with other travel costs as well as donations for children’s cancer charity Latch which has helped Chloe.

A fundraising day was also held at The Barn Pub, Pontyclun.

Miss Allen said: “It’s been quite a nightmare but Chloe is doing really well. It doesn’t seem to bother her or if it does she doesn’t showit. I’m just really happy that the operation is being done to hopefully get rid of the cancer.

I’ve been really touched by all the fundraising too.”