PENHILL will rally behind Sebastian Murtough in his fight against cancer on Saturday at Deers Leap with a fundraising day of action.

Rhonda Adams, 34, of Burbage Road, a member of staff at the pub, and friend Lauren Page, have organised activities for families to get involved with and make donations towards the care Sebastian requires.

The 20-month-old is expecting a long stint in hospital after developing a rare form of kidney cancer known as a Wilms’ tumour.

Last December, during a procedure to treat a kidney infection, doctors discovered the tumour on Sebastian’s left kidney.

The Penhill youth attended Great Ormond Street Hospital for a crucial operation last week and will now face chemotherapy to tackle the cancer, which affects around 70 children each year in the UK.

The Penhill community is now coming together at the Deers Leap to support a family many of them have grown up with in the area.

“We want to raise a couple of grand for him, maybe even £2,500,” said Rhonda. “All of us in Penhill all grew up together and as a community we want to help him out.

“We all went to the same school together, including Steve, Sebastian’s dad. As soon as we heard what he’s going through we knew we had to do something.

“The Deers Leap is a family pub and it’s the best place to hold it.”

The event will feature a magic show provided by Razamatazz Magic, face painting, hair braiding, nail art, bouncy castle, disco, karaoke, pool and darts competitions, cake stall, tombola, raffle and an auction.

The auction includes memorabilia signed by boxer Kelvin Young, who has said there will be a boxing glove signed by Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler available to bidders, courtesy of promoter Keith Mayo. “Sebastian’s father is long-time friend of mine. This goes to show how tight a community it is up here.”

l Seven members of Swindon College Old Boys Rugby Club will cycle to Great Ormond Street Hospital and back again on Sunday to raise money for Sebastian.