A community is rallying behind an 11-year-old boy - and jujitsu champion - who is facing treatment for cancer. 

Corey Kelly, a lively and spirited boy from Dereham, has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, turning his family's life upside down.  

Normally, he leads a vibrant life filled with activities like jujitsu, football and collecting sports memorabilia.  

But a sudden trip to the hospital with his mum, Zoe, on April 9, due to fatigue and changes in his skin colour, revealed the devastating diagnosis. 

Dereham Times: The Kelly family from Dereham have been heartbroken after Corey, 11, was diagnosed with leukaemia.The Kelly family from Dereham have been heartbroken after Corey, 11, was diagnosed with leukaemia. (Image: Supplied by family)

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His father, Luke Kelly, 33, said: "We had a normal happy life before that day.

"Because it has been so quick from being normal to being really poorly it's taking some time to sink in. We have all been utterly heartbroken."

The family - which also includes seven-year-old Teddy and Beau, 12 - has been spending every night at Addenbrooke's hospital in Cambridge.

Treatment demands frequent visits and chemotherapy sessions, putting a halt to Corey's sports activities for the time being.  

Dereham Times: Dereham boy Corey Kelly, 11, won a gold medal at the Jujitsu UK championships in 2023.Dereham boy Corey Kelly, 11, won a gold medal at the Jujitsu UK championships in 2023. (Image: Supplied by family)

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A pupil at Barnham Broom primary school, he won gold medal in Norfolk and Suffolk at the jujitsu UK championship for his weight group last year.

Mr Kelly said: "Unfortunately his jujitsu has had to come to an end until his treatment is over.

"He also loves playing football a lot. At any given chance with a big space and a ball he is showing his skills, playing with his brothers."

He is "obsessed" with Manchester Utd, and his favourite player is Marcus Rashford, his father said.

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A fundraiser for the family will take place on May 26.

Kicking off at Dereham Rugby Club at 12pm, Corey's Day will include a rugby game between Dereham Allstars and a Norfolk Select team, bouncy castles, food vendors, raffle and tombola.

The event will then continue at the Railway Tavern with an Oasis tribute band.

All donations will go to the family.