Hikoi launched to help raise funds for toddler Ka'iulani Forbes' fight against rare cancer

Friends and whanau are going all out to help Ka'iulani Forbes, 2, fight a rare form of cancer. Photo / GiveALittle

Friends and whanau of a toddler fighting a rare cancer are now on a 200km hikoi in a bid to raise much-needed funds to help their little girl.

Ka'iulani Forbes, 2, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma late last year.

She was operated on in a high risk nine-hour operation that saw part of a softball-sized tumour removed.

The remainder of that tumour is due to be removed soon.

Chiefs and former All Black star Liam Messam is among those helping to raise awareness about Kai'ulani's plight.

His involvement has already helped to bring in up to $50,000.

Today, Maori Party MP and co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell also came out in support of the whanau, who have started a 200km hikoi to try raise more donations.

"The whanau require funds to enable them to access specialist treatment in the United States, which will provide Ka'iulani with the greater chance of surviving this cancer.''

Flavell said he was a good friend of one of Ka'iulani's aunts, who asked for his backing of the cause.

The hikoi will go on for a week and will see people walking through Hauraki, Waihihi to Maketu and Kawhia.

To help Ka'iulani visit her GiveALittle page.