When Natasha Stapleton was sent home ill from school four weeks ago her family had no idea what lay ahead.

Her mother, Caroline Brain, and partner, Michael Day, who are hoping to get married in the near future, thought she was not very well because of a painful blister in her mouth.

When they took her to see the doctor they were not prepared for what they were about to hear.

Natasha, 12, was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Miss Brain, of Eggington Close, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, who also has four sons, said: "After we found out we told her straight away.

"I said to her she might not live until her 14th birthday.

"I cry a lot at night when everyone has gone to bed. I cannot believe it has happened."

Natasha has an adult form of melanoma cancer in her mouth, the lymph glands in her neck and in her liver.

Miss Brain said: "It is very unusual for a child to get this because it is an adult cancer. The doctors told us they do not know why it has happened.

"We do not know exactly what treatment she will need but it will definitely be chemotherapy. She has no chance of surviving. The treatment will just slow the cancer down."

Since finding out on May 29, Natasha, who is a pupil at Falmer High School, has had to undergo several tests at hospitals in Brighton and London and she is on six types of medicine.

Mr Day said: "There have only been four or five days out of the last four weeks that she has not been in hospital. Over the past few weeks she has had so many tests like biopsies and she has been so brave.

"We are all just trying to take everything day by day. She still seems so happy and lively.

"Natasha has accepted she is ill but she does not understand how seriously ill she will become.

"Any treatment she has, if it helps, is a bonus. The longer she is with us the happier we will be.

"We are trying to treat her as normally as possible. We are keeping her busy. I just know we have got to be there for her.

"She has made a wish list of things she would like to do. One is to be bridesmaid at mine and Caroline's wedding, another is to go to Disneyland and she also really wants to meet Westlife."

The whole community is rallying round to help Natasha and her family and a fund has been set up, co-ordinated by Falmer High School, to raise money to enable Natasha to fulfil her dreams.

The money will also help pay for anything to make the difficult time ahead more bearable for Natasha and her family.

One anonymous donor has already paid for Natasha to go to Disneyland Paris this summer and Brighton Racecourse is treating the family to a day at the races.

Headteacher Antony Edkins said: "Natasha is a loved and respected student. She is an able and talented student who is an excellent sportsperson.

"The tragic and untimely news of her condition has shocked the school and community.

"We want to raise as much money as possible and we hope the local community will support us."

The Newmarket pub in Bear Road, Brighton, where Miss Brain used to play in a darts team, is holding a charity night on June 30 from 8pm.

Anyone who would like to donate money should call Falmer High School on 01273 691191 or send a cheque made payable to Falmer High School Charity Account, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN1 9PW. All cheques will be acknowledged.