A couple say they feel they are “living a nightmare” after being told their six-year-old has only months left to live.
Joe and Elisha Smith from Minster, Sheppey, received unimaginable news when their daughter Joules was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.
The family were on a week-long trip to Center Parcs with TOWIE star and friend Kirk Norcross when they first noticed symptoms in Joules.
Dad Joe said her balance was off, her eyes didn’t look right and she had a head tilt to one side.
They took her home and then to Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham on May 10 where doctors performed tests which all came back clear.
But just a day later they were back at the hospital when the Minster Primary School pupil’s symptoms worsened.
A scan was done and her parents were told it showed a mass on her brain.
Joe said: “We just looked at each other and cried.
“Our world since that minute has never been the same”
The six-year-old was rushed to King's College Hospital in London where she was diagnosed with midline glioma - an aggressive brain tumour.
It was there where they were told Joules has just nine months to live.
“It just felt like we were in a nightmare - it’s honestly so cruel, she is the most beautiful little girl,” said Joe.
Since her diagnosis, Joules has had a shunt put into her brain to relieve pressure in her head, and is undergoing radiotherapy treatment at The Royal Marsden Hospital.
After completing the course on June 19, she will take the new cancer drug ONC201 - but that is all the treatment she can have.
Now the family is doing all they can to make the most of the time they have left with Joules.
A GoFundMepage set up by Kirk has raised more than £50,000.
Community members have also been rallying to show their support.
On June 21, Sheppey United will be holding a football match at Holm Park with all funds going to the family.
Miss Lauren’s Dance company, which Joules attended, will also be hosting a day in her honour on June 23.
Joe said: “We have a lot of support and people have been so good reaching out, offering us days out to farms and holiday breaks - thank you.
“We want to take her to Scotland as she loves nature and birds.
“She also loves Center Parcs so we’re hoping to go back there too and have as many days out as possible.”
He added: “She deserves everything.”
