Lions in Aberystwyth and Fishguard are working together to raise funds to help a nine-year-old girl who has cancer.

They are hoping to raise money that will be used to pay for vital medication that young Abeliene Heather Aquino needs to take.

Aberystwyth-based Lions Club members Benjamin Manluctao and David Hurst, and his partner Morena Malbog, met Abeliene and her family during a visit to northern Philippines which also saw them donate reclining chairs to the paediatric care unit of a hospital in Dagupan.

Along with the chairs, David and Morena also donated special vests which help mothers bond with their babies.

Benjamin said members of the Aberystwyth and Fishguard clubs were keen to help raise money to help Abeliene and her family after meeting her.

He said: “On Valentine’s Day of 2012, she was diagnosed with lymphocytic leukaemia.

“The disease interfered so much with her studies and she remains in Grade 2, whereas under normal circumstances she should have been in Grade 4.

“She endured five years of chemotherapy having been diagnosed with the disease at the very tender age of one year and nine months.

“She remains on continuous maintenance medication to support her natural physical defence system.

“Members of the community who can afford to share, contribute to a monthly total expense of £97, every penny of which goes towards the purchase of her medication.

“Aberystwyth Lions Club and Fishguard Lions Club have given attention to the plight of the girl.”