BRAVE Eva Williams is to undergo a scan tomorrow that should enable her family to make plans for her to undergo treatment in the USA.

Eva, from Marford, was diagnosed with an incurable high-grade diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) two months ago.

Nine-year-old Eva has undergone intensive radiotherapy - and tomorrow (Tuesday, March 31) her family will find out what effect that treatment has had.

Desperate to help their daughter, Eva’s parents, Paul Slapa and Carran Williams, launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the £250,000 needed for private treatment in New York.

The coronavirus pandemic impacted fundraising efforts in the community, who attends The Rofft Primary School in Marford - but the campaign now stands at more than £235,500 making it near certain the target will be reached.

Updating supporters on Eva's gofundme page, her dad Paul Slapa said: "Hi everyone. I just wanted to post a quick update – firstly, to thank every single person who has been kind enough to donate on here. Carran and I are totally humbled and blown away by the generosity of friends, family and strangers who are helping us – we will never be able to think of the words to truly show how we feel, but know that we love each and every one of you for helping us try to get Eva the treatment she deserves.

"Tomorrow is Eva’s post-radiotherapy scan at Alder Hey. She completed her radiotherapy treatment on 3rd of February, and the reason that there is such a long wait to check the status of the tumour, is to ensure any swelling that is around that area has gone down, and therefore to get a true picture of what effect, if any, the treatment has had."

Paul said the scan will give a picture of what effect the treatment has had - but the family have "massive hope" in the treatment and Eva's strength.

He added: "Eva actually had an MRI not long after her radiotherapy as she was suffering intense pain in her back, and the doctors wanted to check that there was no spread. That came back clear thankfully, and our consultant took a look then at the tumour, which showed that it had shrunk from 22ml in volume to 9ml. We were so amazed at the result, and the consultant told us that this is unusual – normally they hope radiotherapy will stop the growth. Obviously that gave us massive hope that Eva’s incredible strength can help her to beat this.

"We are terrified though that tomorrow won’t be as positive – it is hard to remain positive all of the time, and unfortunately negative thoughts creep in and scare the hell out of us!"

The coronavirus pandemic has halted travel to the USA and treatment at the New York hospital has been suspended.

However, Paul and Carran have been assured by doctors both in New York and here in the UK that Eva will be treated.

Paul added: "Once Eva has had her MRI, we will have to travel home and discuss the results over the phone because of precautions about Coronavirus, but we are also hoping that we will start to get some plan in place for what we can do to access the treatment in the USA. Once we know more, I will post an update so that you know what is happening.

"So for now, please keep your fingers crossed and keep Eva in your thoughts for tomorrow."

Support the campaign for Eva at https://www.gofundme.com/f/unbeatable-eva