THE family of a youngster who died of cancer shortly before Christmas have launched a charity campaign on what would have been her fifth birthday.

For almost two years little Katie-Leigh Tones repeatedly amazed doctors by battling against the disease. Sadly, on December 14 last year, she lost her brave fight.

Katie, of Ennerdale Drive, Crook, was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma, the most common form of cancer in children, when she was two-years-old.

The plucky youngster had chemotherapy at Newcastle RVI Hospital and in November 2001 the family thought she had beaten the disease when she was told she was clear of tumours.

But last summer her parents, Michelle and Lee Tones, were told that it had returned and despite further intense treatment, she was unable to beat it.

Last Friday, when Katie would have celebrated turning five, her family started a cash crusade to support other families fighting child cancer.

Grandmother Brenda Coote, of Crook, held a fundraising event at Willington Workingmen's Club in aid of Macmillan paediatric nurses based at Newcastle RVI.

Michelle, 25, and Lee, 28, who have a seven-year-old son Jordan, hope to arrange many similar events in aid of the nurses who helped them through two spells of treatment. "We want to give something back to the people who helped us.

"The nurses visited us at home regularly, especially towards the end, and their support was a big help," said Mr Tones.

Mrs Tones added: "They were very supportive and kept Katie's spirits up. We want other families to benefit from their help and hope to raise as much money as possible towards their work."

Sandra Bessford, of Newcastle hospitals, said: "We're absolutely delighted that, at a time of tremendous distress, the family are willing to raise funds towards future patients' care."

Katie's brave battle gave her time to fulfil a dream to meet pop-star Gareth Gates at Newcastle Telewest Arena last summer, which was arranged by The Advertiser's sister paper, The Northern Echo.

Mrs Tones said: "She had an absolutely wonderful night when she met Gareth, Will Young and Zoe Birkett and they all made a real fuss over her and Jordan.

"It was important for us to have a brilliant time as a family before we lost Katie and we thank everyone who helped make that possible.

"Friends, family, colleagues at Focus in Bishop Auckland and other local businesses helped us visit Disneyland and cram as much fun into her life as possible."