It was the news every parent dreads...

Three year old lad Issac is full of beans and larger than life especially when it comes to dig-digs (diggers) and football but he has been sadly ill for most of his life and now he is facing the biggest health fight.

Back in March he was taken to hospital for what the family thought was appendicitis, but it was actually a 8cm by 9cm cyst that was trying to duplicate his bowel. An operation was successful and he seemed to bounce back especially given the news he was to become a big brother.

But then at the end of May Issac went rapidly down hill health wise and was raced to A & E and then the Bristol Children's Hospital.

Mum and dad Charlie and Shane, who were from Stratton on the Fosse, were given the news that no parent wants to hear their son was diagnosed with a type of cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Issac has a long road ahead of him as he faces more scans and because the cancer is too aggressive to wait, he will shortly be transferred to London while his current treatment sees him going to both the RUH and the Bristol hospitals.

He will have 27 weeks of chemotherapy followed by more surgery and his parents have stopped work to support him in all the care.

Friends want to help - so here comes a fundraising funday

Since hearing the devastating news friends have rallied around the family and have come up with a plan to at least help them out

The parents, who have another baby on the way, need financial help, as they are currently travelling to and from the hospital on top of family bills, but they also need a bigger pushchair for when he's too tired to walk.

They have never asked for anything, but the friends have organised a huge fundraiser day in late August at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club.

Issac's army to the rescue

The list of entertainment planned is already huge : dance groups and karate demonstrations, funfair rides and stalls , bouncy castles, show tractors motorbikes from the Ashford Inn bike nights (who have already raised over £500), food and drink and Rapunzel the face painter... and more...

If you can help - donate a prize for the raffle or host a stall ? That army would love to hear from you 07843197710 .

Or the date for your diary, 27th August at MSN Rugby Club from 12-5pm - come along.