KIRBY Cross parents have described their devastation when their son was diagnosed with leukaemia on Christmas Eve.

Brave Zach Kliber, who will be three years-old next month, was given his first blast of chemotherapy on Christmas Day.

He was rushed to the doctor on December 22 by parents Georgina and Nathan.

Zach was diagnosed two days later in Colchester and was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for his treatment.

Dad Nathan said: “When you first hear that news you just go numb. You don’t believe it’s really happening.

“Christmas went out the window completely for us."

Zach is at the beginning of a three-year course of treatment.

Doctors say he has responded well so far and early indications are that he will make a full recovery.

The family has vowed to raise awareness of the early signs of the disease.

They have organised a Ladies Night fundraiser with the help of close friend Claire Goodwin.

It will include beauty treatments, make-up artists, cake decorating and entertainment.

The event will take place at Clacton Golf Club on March 21 from 7pm. Tickets cost £8 and are on sale at Harry’s Bar in Thorpe or by calling 07812 996598.

Cash raised at the event will go to CLIC Sargent and Be Child Cancer Aware.

For a full list of symptoms visit bechildcanceraware.org.