A girl of 12 with terminal cancer faces losing a dream holiday because of an insurance wrangle.

Natasha Stapleton was diagnosed with an adult form of carcoma cancer in her mouth, liver and the lymph glands in her neck.

A fund has been set up to raise money for Natasha to fulfil her dreams and an anonymous donor has agreed to pay for her and her family to go to Disneyland Paris in July.

But the holiday is at risk because fund co-ordinators are having difficulty getting insurance cover for Natasha.

Her mother, Caroline Brain, of Eggington Close, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, who also has four sons, said: "It is so important Natasha has this holiday because she has never had a holiday in her life."

Her stepfather, Michael May, said: "I have got my fingers crossed that we will get the insurance. In reality the holiday would not only be her first but also her last.

"It is a place she wants to go to and it would really help to build her spirits for the treatment she has to have afterwards. It would also be a chance for us to spend time together as a family."

One of the co-ordinators of the fund is Antony Edkins, headteacher of Falmer High School, where Natasha is a pupil.

He said: "We have contacted almost every insurance company we know and also companies that charities normally contact in situations like this to ask them but none of them is prepared to offer cover for a case such as this.

"It is so frustrating and we do not know what to do. We are appealing to anyone who can help or anyone who has any suggestions and ideas.

"Natasha has to have insurance cover and we cannot allow her to go abroad unless she gets it."

A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers said: "Travel insurance is not designed to cover conditions that are known to people at the time.

"However, I am sure people in similar situations as this have been able to obtain cover. I would advise they contact a local insurance broker in Brighton to get some advice from them."

The holiday has been booked for July 14 to July 17 to fit in with Natasha's chemotherapy treatment.

Mr May said: "We have timed it looking at her treatment so she should be feeling okay on the holiday.

"It is the only time we can go. It is better it would be now, rather than going when she has had lots of treatment and side effects."

Anyone who can help or who has suggestions should call 01273 691191.