The friends and family of three-year-old Isla Caton - who has a rare form of cancer - held a special early birthday party for her before she leaves to go for specialist treatment in Barcelona.

Romford Recorder: Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment.Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment. (Image: Archant)

Isla, from Hornchurch, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in March last year, and after nearly 18 months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, her parents were hoping to get the all clear a few weeks ago so she could go to America for a cancer curing vaccine.

But following scans and tests, doctors found between seven to 10 spots of the cancer on her bones.

Her mum, Nicola, and dad Michael, had already booked flights and accommodation in America so Isla could receive the Bivalent vaccine, at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Romford Recorder: Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment.Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment. (Image: Archant)

However this has now had to be cancelled.

Doctors told Isla’s mum, Nicola Caton and dad Michael Hook, that her best chance of surviving would be to go for specialist treatment in Barcelona, where she will receive a number of different chemotherapy drugs that will hopefully get rid of the cancer.

Friends and family have been fund raising for Isla’s treatments for nearly two years and have raised more than £350,000 - but they now need to raise more.

Romford Recorder: Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment.Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment. (Image: Archant)

The treatment in Spain could cost up to £750,000.

Isla will turn four in October, but because they are expecting to still be in Spain for the treatment, her family and friends organised an early birthday party/leaving party for her.

Next Thursday (August 22) Isla, her mum, dad, and a few other members of the family will fly to Barcelona and they are expecting to be there as long as six months.

Romford Recorder: Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment.Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment. (Image: Archant)

Speaking after the party Isla’s mum Nicola said: “Just want to say what a wonderful thing Facebook can be in right hands the love shown to Isla from everyone is amazing and overwhelming she has had the best day thanks to so many wonderful people.

“Just wanted to thank everyone for the love and support for Isla we love you all so much.”

To donate to Isla’s Fight go to the JustGiving page.

Romford Recorder: Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment.Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment. (Image: Archant)

Romford Recorder: Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment.Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment. (Image: Archant)

Romford Recorder: Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment.Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment. (Image: Archant)

Romford Recorder: Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment.Isla Caton celebrating her birthday with family and friends before going to Spain for treatment. (Image: Archant)