A toddler is a huge step closer to life-saving cancer treatment after her army of fundraisers smashed £300,000.

Ruby Young needs half a million pounds to be treated for her aggressive cancer neuroblastoma in America.

While the NHS is providing treatment, it does not offer more expensive options, and if Ruby should get better and then relapse it would only offer palliative care.

Fundraising wonder woman Anita Marinelli has been on a mission for Ruby, of Monmouth Close, Rainham, over the past seven months and the fund is now more than two thirds of the way there with £315,000.

Anita said: “I’m gobsmacked. This has succeeded my expectations but it is a huge relief as Ruby may need to go to New York at any point if the NHS says it cannot offer her the treatment she needs.

“It’s a frightening place to be, but the support has been phenomenal.

“You can’t go anywhere in Medway now without people knowing about Ruby.

“In April alone we raised £50,000, with 26 different events.”

Just recently, Chaucer Insurance has donated £6,000 and The Cricketers pub in Gillingham almost £2,000.

Ruby was feeling particularly poorly last week as her treatment continued, but was much better after a blood and platelet transfusion.

She, her older brother Freddy, mum Vicki and dad Rob are enjoying a trip to Disneyland Paris, paid for by the charity Friends of Shelby Newstead.

Anita added: “Obviously in the back of her mind I know Vicki is worried this could be the last family holiday with Ruby but it’s a welcome distraction from all the fear and treatment. Ruby and Freddy are having a wonderful time.”

Ruby, a big Disney fan, has spent a lot of time with Minnie Mouse, and dressing up as different princess characters.

The push now is to get £500,000 by October, which would make a year since fundraising began.

n Visit www.justgiving.com/heros4ruby or text RLYJ88 and the amount you wish to give to 70070