LOOKING at this little bundle of energy, you would never know that just two years ago, she was fighting for her life in hospital.

Rubi May Mason had just started school when, in September 2009, she was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer known as Wilm’s tumour.

The youngster had to undergo gruelling treatments which left her weak and forced her to wear splints on her legs, meaning she could not take part in her favourite activities.

But the brave little fighter has bounced back and is even helping her mum and dad to raise money for the cancer charity which supported them through her battle with the disease.

Mum Maxine, 37, of Woodcote in Stowmarket, said: “She’s living her life to the full now. She takes every opportunity and enjoys it, and she’s very independent.

“When you’re going through it all, you can’t imagine every getting a family life back – so when you do, it’s amazing, and you make the most of it.

“She does everything now. When the splints came off in May, she started riding her bike and her swimming has been amazing. To see her being so happy and confident is brilliant.”

Rubi May, now six and back full-time at Wood Ley Community Primary School in Stowmarket, said: “I feel okay now. I don’t have to wear the splints any more.

“I get to do lots of fun stuff at Rainbows, and I like swimming and dancing.”

The pair will be joined today by 38-year-old dad Paul to gather donations at Asda in Wilkes Way, Stowmarket, on behalf of Clic Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.

Maxine added: “They were a huge support when Rubi May was first diagnosed. We were given a social worker who explained things to us in detail and helped us with accommodation.

“They offered us a payment of �170 within 72 hours of her diagnosis, just to help us through the early stages when you’ve got to take time off work for appointments.

“The emotional support was especially good – she was always there at the end of the phone, and she would come and visit us in hospital – but it was also practical help as well.

“We’re so grateful for all her help. We know what it’s like to be on the other side, so we wanted to do our bit to help families who are going through it now.”

Another 38 volunteers will also each be taking hour-long shifts over the weekend to collect for the charity.

Rubi May has scans every three months to ensure she is still in remission, and will have to have regular checks until she is 21.

n Would you like to send your messages of support to Rubi May and her family? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.