THE proud father of an 18-year-old girl who has battled cancer since the age of three is hoping to rally as much support as possible to fund her wishlist and ongoing treatment.

Julian Greene, of Harvesters, Tolleshunt D’arcy, has watched on with pride as his daughter achieved top grades at school and hopes to secure a place at Cambridge University.

Esther Greene, 18, has fought back against more than any youngster should ever have to face.

The teenager, who is completing her A-levels at Colchester County High School for Girls, was first first diagnosed with cancerous tumours on her spine when she was just three.

She responded to treatment and spent a year cancer-free until the disease returned when Esther reached the age of five.

After undergoing treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital, including aggressive chemotherapy and several major operations, she went into remission. She remained cancer free for ten years, with the relieved family sure the worst was over.

But the cancer returned when Esther turned 16.

Julian, 46, said: “We thought we were past it and had spent ten years thinking it was over.

“She was again given the all-clear following treatment and there was a period of about a year when she was OK. She was diagnosed yet again in December.”

Esther now has secondary tumours on her spine and chest.

Despite her heartbreaking circumstances, Esther has always remained positive, and is determined to have as many happy memories as possible.

She has drawn up a wishlist which includes goals such as passing her driving test, going to her prom and spending Christmas in the snow.

She hopes to attend Cambridge University after earning a place to study Languages. Julian said: “The odds are not in her favour - the more it comes back the harder it is to fight.

“She is a strong person and has an inspiring character, I think she just gets on with it.”

A Coffee for Esther event will be held on Saturday between 10am and 1pm, at Feering Hill House, in Feering Hill, Feering.

The family are hoping to welcome as many supporters as possible with all funds going towards Esther’s treatment and wishlist.

The event started as a coffee morning but has snowballed into a fundraiser where East meets West.

There will be scones, cakes and cupcakes, alongside Asian dishes like Singapore fried noodles, beef rendang and chicken biryani.

There will be a range of stalls, including a Frozen bouncy castle for the youngsters. Donations will be welcomed.

A justgiving page set up in support of Esther can be found at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/esthergreene.