A 17-month-old girl diagnosed with leukaemia four weeks ago is currently fighting for her life, and an appeal has been launched to raise £10,000 to support the family.

The Comet: Mia Percival and her brother James. Picture courtesy of Nicola Minett.Mia Percival and her brother James. Picture courtesy of Nicola Minett. (Image: Archant)

Doctors diagnosed Mia Percival, who lives in Stevenage, with leukaemia at the end of January and she was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with a dangerously high white blood cell count.

She is now bravely enduring chemotherapy, blood transfusions and heavy medication as she fights for her life.

Her immune system is so weak she has had both the flu and the norovirus - a sickness and diarrhoea bug - and lost so much weight she has had to be fed through a tube.

Mia’s auntie, Nicola Minett, said: “When Mia was diagnosed, our hearts were broken and life as we knew it suddenly changed.

The Comet: Mia Percival is having chemotherapy and blood transfusions in her battle with leukaemia. Picture courtesy of Nicola Minett.Mia Percival is having chemotherapy and blood transfusions in her battle with leukaemia. Picture courtesy of Nicola Minett. (Image: Archant)

“There is a long road ahead. The estimated length of her treatment is two-and-a-half years. She will be receiving chemotherapy a few times a week, as well as periodical blood tests and bone marrow tests to see how her treatment is progressing.

“To help her fight this long and awful battle, her mum Lisa, dad Alan and four-year-old brother James need to be by her side.” The family has set up a fundraising page to help raise £10,000 to support Lisa, Alan and their children, and so far more than £6,300 has been raised.

Nicola said: “This campaign was created on their behalf as they need funds to help them get through this tragic time.

“Lisa has had to quit her job and Alan needs to take extensive time off work. He makes the round trip daily to be with Lisa and Mia, all while trying to give James as normal a life as possible.

“They need to make their house safe and comfortable for Mia when she comes home, and countless things to make all their lives just a little bit easier.

“Thank you for all your donations so far. The money is hard at work, ensuring Mia has everything she needs at this difficult time.

“Please donate if you are able. Big or small, it will all help Mia beat this cruel disease.”

Lisa’s mum, Jax Wilkinson, said: “I know Lisa hates asking for anything. She would rather cope, but this is something different and so we are asking for her. Please help reach our goal for Mia. So many things are needed for her.”

To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/miamoo