CAKES were given to bank customers in memory of a little girl who lost her life to a rare illness.

Isobel Parmenter, of Colchester, was 22 months old when she died of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, an incredibly rare illness, likened to cancer.

Her parents Michael and Suzanne have become champions of charity Histio UK, which raises awareness of the condition.

They held an awareness day at Natwest Bank, in High Street, Colchester, selling cupcakes and raffle tickets.

Mrs Parmenter said: “Firstly, a massive thank you to our friend Karen Long, an employee at the High Street branch of Natwest, who along with the branch manager Leanne, made it happen.

“The branches at Lexden, Severalls and Manningtree took part as well and we’d like to thank all the staff and Natwest customers who made a donation and brought tickets and cakes.

“It was great to speak to customers and hand out leaflets to raise awareness.”

Isobel’s condition was missed for a long time, as doctors thought she had a dairy intolerance, because the condition is so rare.

Mr and Mrs Parmenter are hoping to change that and have called for doctors to get proper training.

Mrs Parmenter said: “We have written to all the GP practices across Colchester encouraging them to advertise leaflets and to undertake training from the charity on histiocytosis.

“This has been met with a mixed response, but a few have undertaken the training or agreed to display leaflets.

“We have also managed to secure some promotional work with the training provider for GPs and nurses across Essex to promote this histiocytosis training and a GP trainer has agreed to promote it nationally too.

“Our next aim is to get some sort of Government backing for the charity.”

Another charity day is being organised, while children at Elmstead Market Primary School raised £350 last month when they sold cakes.

The Parmenters are taking on their own challenges, with Mr Parmenter running the Bupa 10K run in May on behalf of Histio UK with a team of ten.

Mrs Parmenter now has a team of 40 women taking part in Team Izzy, at Cancer Research’s Race for Life, in July.

To sponsor Mr Parmenter can go to justgiving.com/Isobel- Parmenter To sponsor Mrs Parmenter and Team Izzy go to justgiving.

com/team-izzy