Smiling toddler Darcie Kay looks to have beaten a rare and aggressive cancer she’s been fighting for almost her entire life.

The 18-month-old is now in remission following lengthy bouts of chemotherapy and drastic surgery to remove a tumour.

Her parents Natalie and Michael say the medics who helped treat her have “worked a miracle”.

Her plight has also inspired Natalie to embark on a mission to raise money for cancer and children’s charities since Darcie’s treatment ended in October.

It all started with a coffee morning at Harbledown church hall, where she raised £376.20 for Chelsea’s Angels and Samuel’s Children’s Charity.

That was followed by a Christmas tree with sponsored baubles, which raised £180.

Natalie, who together with husband Michael also has three boys, says little Darcie is doing remarkably and only needs three-monthly check-ups.Now Natalie, 31, of Manciple Close, Canterbury, hopes to have raised about £180 for Cancer Research UK from her recent Race for Life effort – but she hasn’t stopped there.

She said: “I am always trying to think of things and I’ve come up with the idea of raffling a luxury Christmas hamper through Facebook. We are going to try and get some really nice products donated so it will be a fabulous prize. I am hoping it could raise up to £500.”

She said: “She is a real character and it still smiling as much as ever. Her hair has started to grow and she is now turning into a proper little girl.

“It’s been tough at times but I have been lucky to have the support of my close friend Michelle Hayman and sister-in-law Karen Kay, who have helped me with the fundraising efforts.”