The family of a city youngster with incurable cancer are determined to deliver the "Christmas of her dreams" after being told by doctors that it will be her last.

Amber, a Norwich City fan who won the Canaries' fan of the season award in May, was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour in April 2019 at the age of five after she started having headaches and being sick in the mornings.

Amber's parents, Amanda and Jon Sheehy, know it will be the last Christmas they will get to spend with their daughter who is now at The Nook - at East Anglia's Children's Hospices - for end-of-life care.

Norwich Evening News: Amanda Sheehy said: Amber is the bravest and strongest person I knowAmanda Sheehy said: Amber is the bravest and strongest person I know (Image: Jon Sheehy)

So the couple from Norwich, who also have a 14-year-old son Max, decided to make this Christmas as special as possible for their youngest child.

An Amazon gift list was set up to make Amber's final wish come true - to open the biggest box of fidget toys ever.

But what started as a project for just friends and family has snowballed with thousands of people offering to donate presents and gift cards to the little girl - raising almost £2,000 after only two weeks.

Norwich Evening News: Amber Sheehy during her treatmentAmber Sheehy during her treatment (Image: Jon Sheehy)

Mrs Sheehy said: "Amber is the bravest and strongest person I know.

"She's absolutely fearless and has faced challenges no little girl should ever have to.

"People have been so incredibly generous and it's meant a lot to us at a very dark and distressing time."

Norwich Evening News: Amber Sheehy and her family at Christmas in 2019Amber Sheehy and her family at Christmas in 2019 (Image: Jon Sheehy)

Mr Sheehy added: "We head closer to Christmas with our fingers crossed tightly that Amber will make it through to see the day."

After Amber was diagnosed the next two years of the family's lives were spent at Addenbrooke's Hospital, where Amber was admitted and had surgery which removed all of the tumour.

In June 2021 Amber was able to ring the celebratory bell which marked the end of her treatment, and the family marked their first Christmas at home for two years.

Norwich Evening News: Amber Sheehy when she won the Canaries fan of the season awardAmber Sheehy when she won the Canaries fan of the season award (Image: Jon Sheehy)

However in April this year the family received the devastating news that the cancer had returned – and this time was inoperable.

The family have decided that they will create the charity – Amber’s Army - which will continue to make memories for families with terminally ill children.

Mrs Sheehy added: "We were told that we should start making memories with Amber and we certainly did that.

Norwich Evening News: Amber is currently at The Nook hospice receiving end-of-life careAmber is currently at The Nook hospice receiving end-of-life care (Image: Jon Sheehy)

"We went to Disney, took city breaks, went on a helicopter ride and took cars around a race track.

"Amber wasn't expected to still be here now, but her fight is strong and her desire to make another Christmas even stronger.

"In reality, Amber may not even manage to open all her presents, let alone play with them so that's why we tweaked the Amazon gift list.

Norwich Evening News: A charity has been set up by Amber's parents called Amber's ArmyA charity has been set up by Amber's parents called Amber's Army (Image: Jon Sheehy)

"But as a family we agreed that the support we've received this year has been so life-changing and meant so much that we want to make this a reality for others in our situation."

People can donate, or buy and collect Amber's Army pin badges, from the charity website.

Helping the family to get the charity off the ground is local businessman Kevin Foley, owner of 10 McDonald’s franchises in the area.

Norwich Evening News: Amber and her family have been on many trips away making memories togetherAmber and her family have been on many trips away making memories together (Image: Jon Sheehy)

Mr Foley met Amber when her Brownies group approached him last year for help sponsoring a litter pick organised by Transforming Local Communities (TLC).

Mr Foley said: "On hearing the terrible news we knew we had to do something to help.

"It's a horrific thought that, as a parent, you will lose a child at any age and my heart goes out to Amanda, Jon and especially Max.

Norwich Evening News: Amber ringing the bell at the end of her treatment in June 2021Amber ringing the bell at the end of her treatment in June 2021 (Image: Jon Sheehy)

"I'm determined to help but also support the family going forward with any legacy ideas in the future."

Mr Sheehy added: "I'd like to urge everyone, all the families out there, to cherish moments with your children.

"Choose a Christmas movie, get the duvets and snacks out and settle down with the children and enjoy some quality time."

Norwich Evening News: Amber and her brother, Max at Christmas in 2020Amber and her brother, Max at Christmas in 2020 (Image: Jon Sheehy)