THE family of a youngster battling a rare form of cancer have less than £9000 to go until they reach a new fundraising target.

Ayesha Siddiqui's parents Noreen and Nadeem are trying to raise £200,000, as they continue to try to find a bone marrow match for the 10-year-old from Newton Mearns, near Glasgow.

The Kirkhill Primary pupil, who was diagnosed with a rare form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in April 2011, has just completed a course of chemotherapy.

Now her mum Noreen, 49, is urging volunteers to help them reach their new appeal target.

They decided to keep fundraising after reaching £150,000 in 2012 because Ayesha still does not have a suitable bone marrow donor.

It is more challenging to find a match for Ayesha because of her mixed race background.

The family is working with the Anthony Nolan Trust to recruit people to the bone marrow register and to pay for processing them.

Last month bridal store Eleganza Sposa worked with Ayesha to design a brides-maid's dress, which she modelled at their fashion show, boosting Ayesha's spirts following a bout of swine flu, and raising more than £1000.

Noreen, who was Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year finalist last year, said: "It is overwhelming how people have come forward with their support. It is a combination of the smaller things which will add up and help us raise more money. For example, the coffee mornings and the bake stalls."

Noreen said the family were "humbled" by the support.

She added: "I have no idea how we have got to this stage. I'm gobsmacked. If anyone wants to do a fundraising activity they can get in touch with us through Facebook.

"It started off as being for Ayesha but now other people will benefit."

Eleganza Sposa's design team worked with the young-ster to co-design the Ayesha gown, part of the Piccola coll-ection by Eleg-anza comm-union and flower girl collection.

A donation from each purchase will go to the appeal.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/Ayeshas Appeal

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk