Family and friends of a 'bubbly and bright' girl battling a brain tumour are fundraising for vital equipment to help with her recovery.

Maisie Lossau, 11, was diagnosed in January and underwent life-or-death surgery at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, in which 80pc of the tumour was removed.

She was due to return to her new Spixworth home this week but has to stay in hospital for six weeks for radiotherapy after the tumour grew back.

Her family has said the youngster, who is due to start at the City of Norwich School, remains positive and has 'exceeded expectations with her sheer determination'.

Maisie's aunt and uncle, Steve and Naomi Hallam, are holding a charity barbecue and raffle at their Rackheath home this Sunday.

It will raise money for equipment to help make Maisie's life easier and aid in her recovery at home.

This includes a wheelchair, and adaptations to the family's garden so she can make use of the outdoors.

Initially the family wanted to raise £5,000, through a Crowdfunding website set up at the end of June, but that target has been smashed after raising just over £6,800

Mr Hallam, 46, a taxi driver for Bestway Taxis in Norwich, said: 'Maisie is taking everything in her stride. She is amazing.

'She is very bubbly and bright. Right from the start she has dealt with things better than the rest of the family. It has been a difficult time. 'Maisie is a very determined young lady.'

The family's heart-rending experience began last November, when they spotted what appeared to be a turn in her eye and Maisie developed double vision.

She was taken to an optician and later referred to an optometrist, before an MRI scan revealed the brain tumour.

Mr Hallam said the family wanted to raise awareness about the condition and how to spot it.

'It was a bolt out of the blue. Maisie was previously a fit and healthy 10-year-old,' he added.

The former Bignold Primary School pupil, who used to live in Tuckswood, previously enjoyed street dance, gymnastics and Brownies.

She will now require full-time care at home and school and is in a wheelchair because of limited movement below her neck.

The fundraiser at 5 Wilkinson Road is happening between 10am-6pm and the raffle is being drawn at 6.30pm.

To donate to the fund for Maisie's equipment, visit www.crowdfunding.justgiving.com/dawn-lossauAre you organising a fundraiser for a medical charity or family member? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk