SICK scammers are trying to cash in on a Peebles girl currently fighting for her life in hospital, according to her devastated father.

Seven-year-old Charly Bisset was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia earlier this year and is critically ill.

The youngster has spent months in and out of hospital undergoing chemotherapy. But in the last few weeks she has taken a turn for the worst and is now in intensive care on life support at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Parents Mark and Kirsty Bisset continue to keep a vigil at her bedside and say their daughter is a “fighter” and won’t give up.

But last week the family were horrified to discover that fraudsters are asking local businesses for money claiming that it’s for Charly.

A GoFundMe page was set up at the beginning of Charly’s illness by a family member, as well as a fundraiser called ‘Let’s Dance for Charly’ by friend John Maison, and a sponsored marathon by businesswoman Joanne Sutherland.

Mark told the Peeblesshire News: “Other than these pages no other fundraising has been set up. We have been made aware of males targeting businesses claiming to be helping to raise money for Charly and in no way have they been asked by us.

“We don’t want people being ripped off or for people to think it’s us. It is sick and disgusting trying to cash in on a wee girl’s misery and suffering.”

Mark says he would encourage any business owners targeted by these individuals to contact the police.

He added: “We would like to thank everyone who has contributed and those who continue to donate.”

The worried family were recently told to “prepare to let her go” but Charly continues defy doctors.

“She has had a rough couple of days and a constant high temperature. Doctors are working hard to find out what infection she may have now. But, she is still here and she is still fighting.”

The community of Peeblesshire has Charly and the family in their prayers and have sent hundreds of messages via the social media page Charly Bear’s Fight.

Charly is heavily sedated whilst on the ventilator. Mark added: “She was communicating the other day with yes and no movements of her head when they had weaned her sedation. It looked like she was getting better before she took another turn.”

But Charly hasn’t forgotten about the fundraising page set up to grant her wishes.

Mark explained: “Her latest wish is for a puppy when she is better which we knew about. She asked for a Chihuahua but the other day she said no to this and nodded yes to a Pug.

As ever, Charly’s humorous spirit shines through despite being very ill. “Her mum said she should call the dog Princess Puff Puff to embarrass me when we are out walking it. She of course nodded in agreement.”