Brave little Ruby Young has undergone 12 hours of surgery and lost a kidney in an effort to beat the cancer which has spread across her organs.

She turns three next week and is fighting for her life after being diagnosed with the aggressive cancer neuroblastoma.

After more than six months of chemotherapy, the youngster, who has captured the hearts of thousands of people across the country, was finally deemed ready for surgery.

On Tuesday, she had an operation to remove the tumour in her stomach.

But it was not straightforward. The cancer had separated and attached itself to her kidneys, liver, pancreas and spleen – making the procedure all the more risky.

She spent more than 12 hours in surgery and the surgeon operating was forced to take a break halfway through while Ruby was kept anaesthetised.

Mum Vikki, of Monmouth Close, Rainham, said: “Our beautiful Ruby went into theatre at 9am.

"She barely looks like Ruby; she's so puffy and swollen with tubes and wires absolutely everywhere. Heartbroken doesn’t cover how we feel..." - Ruby's mum Vikki

“She was being her usual cheeky self, saying she likes ‘sleep medicine’ and has come out in a terrible state.”

The surgeon was unable to untangle the tumour from one of her kidneys so had to remove the organ as well.

They also had to stop the operation, as the risk to Ruby’s life was too great, having removed only 75% of the cancerous cells.

Vikki said: “The last 24 hours have been so exhausting and draining, I certainly wasn’t prepared for this.

“She barely looks like Ruby; she’s so puffy and swollen with tubes and wires absolutely everywhere. Heartbroken doesn’t cover how we feel.

“They haven’t got nearly as much [tumour] as they wanted out. Yes, I should be thankful she’s got through it and thankful they got 75% but I just feel so scared my little girl won’t win her battle.”

The doctors kept Ruby sedated for a further 12 hours due to the pain she would have been in post surgery.

She was woken on Wednesday and kept in intensive care.

Ruby’s gran, Karen Barnes, said: “Ruby’s being grumpy and doing her best to remove all the tubes and drains herself – I call that fighting spirit.

“Victoria and Rob are distressed at the outcome, given it follows disappointing outcomes at every stage so far, but I have no doubt they will pick themselves up and fight on with and for Ruby, whatever form that takes.

“We are so grateful for the work of the surgical team, who looked exhausted afterwards.

“Thank you all for your kindness to us everyday since this nightmare started.”

Ruby needs £500,000 for lifesaving treatment in America and currently the total is at £360,000.

One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has thrown his support behind Ruby’s campaign once more.

The 23-year-old posted a personal video message online earlier this year in which he said: “I’m supporting Vikki and Rob in their fundraising for their daughter Ruby. Ruby has a rare case of cancer. Please give all you can.”

On Wednesday he tweeted his 20 million followers saying: “Give Ruby’s Mum & Dad a boost today pleaseeeeeee !!!!! Even just £1 helps”.

It was retweeted almost 90,000 times.

To help, visit www.justgiving.com/RubyYoungJourney or text RLYJ88 and the amount you wish to give to 70070.