A Christmas party is being held tonight to raise money to help a young mum with cancer.

Lois Parker, who works at The Vault in Stevenage High Street, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma - a type of cancer that forms in nerve tissue - in September and is having chemotherapy as she fights for her life.

Lois is just 20 years old and has an 18-month-old daugher, Lexi. In a bid to help others facing cancer, she has set up an Instagram page to document her experience.

She said: “When you have cancer you can cry, be annoyed and shout, but then stand tall and get on with it because the only person who will beat it is you.”

While Lois was sleeping, her friend Ruby Denham set up a Go Fund Me page in a bid to support Lois through her treatment.

Ruby said: “Lois and her family have remained so positive through such a scary time. Their strength is admirable.

“We are hoping not only to raise awareness, but to raise money for Lois, her family and her beautiful baby girl, Lexi.

“This will enable them to plan a few nice days out - something to look forward to and make new memories.” A Christmas party will also be held at The Vault tonight, which will raise money to support Lois and also Keech Hospice Care.

The ticket-only Black and White event for businesses includes etertainment from magician Lee Smith and finalist of BBC’s The Voice Andy Otley.

There will also be casino tables, where you can win prizes, and an auction of sporting memorabilia.

Vault manager Amanda Ashley said: “Lois is outgoing, bubbly and very positive.

“We also chose to support Keech as it provides care for children locally, and hospices have to raise so much of their own funding.”

So far, £6,925 has been raised through the Go Fund Me page - smashing the original £1,000 target.

Lois said: “The money will contribute to nice days, as well as the hidden costs of cancer - like dramatic weight loss meaning none of my clothes fit. Not only that, bills don’t stop because you have cancer.

“Thank you so much everyone - I’m well and truly gobsmacked.

“I’ll make sure I keep fighting.”

To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/support-for-lois-and-her-family

To read her story, follow Lois on Instagram @neurolo_