Sophie closer to Aussie trip

A 6-year-old girl recovering from a brain tumour is $1100 closer to going on a Gold Coast holiday with her family after her aunt auctioned a special fruit cake.

Sophie King, who lives with parents Tony and Vicki King in Masterton, was found to have a brain tumour when she was 2 and has had 12 operations in two years.

Aunt Liz King, from Palmerston North, was one of 64 guests to attend Prince Charles' birthday celebrations this month and received a special birthday cake to take away.

Ms King put the cake up for auction on Trade Me last week, hoping to raise some money towards sending the family on holiday. As well as raising $450 from the cake - which Ms King will hand deliver to its Dannevirke winner - people have made another $550 of donations.

"I even had an email from a lady in India who had a brain tumour and wanted to donate. My brother is absolutely thrilled, and yesterday morning said he couldn't believe it," Ms King said.

They had raised about half of the amount needed to send Sophie, her 10-year-old brother Caleb, and her parents to the Gold Coast.

She said the family got away for a couple of days every now and again, but always stuck close to Wellington, where doctors had Sophie's medical history.

Ms King said the family appreciated the support: "Thanks to everyone who's donated. It's just amazing how much people can get behind fundraising like this."

Donations to Sophie can be made to bank account 12-3143-0241390-50.