A FIVE-YEAR-OLD with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, will start treatment in America after more than £7,500 was raised for his parents to be by his side.

Stefan Edwards, of The Shires, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour at the back of his throat called Paraphynaegal Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, after complaining of toothache.

After worries over the lasting effects of chemotherapy, doctors want him to go to Jacksonville in Florida to have a special treatment called proton beam therapy, that will specifically target the tumour.

The NHS are funding the treatment, accommodation and the flights to get Stefan and his parents over there, but the family launched a Crowdfunding page to help to cover living costs for three months.

After hearing his story in the Star, many people have held events to help raise funds for Stefan, calling themselves #StefansArmy, raising more than £2,000 additional to the £5,500 raised online.

The donation will leave over enough money for a trip to Harry Potter World and Walt Disney World between treatments.

Stefan’s mum, Danielle Edwards, 29, said: “This treatment is going to save my little boy’s life and it’s been amazing how everyone in St Helens just came together for him.

“I am so proud to be from a town like St Helens and both me and Stefan’s dad Sean are just immensely grateful for people helping our little boy.

“We know he needed the treatment, but now knowing we do not have to worry about money over there is a load off our minds.

“When we told him about going to America he was excited but as soon as he found out it was to go to hospital there he did not want to go.

“Since we have got so much from donations we have promised him that if he is brave going to hospital, we will also visit Harry Potter World, as he loves Harry Potter and go to Disney for a day.

“So now he can’t wait to go and it makes it easier for us too, knowing he has something to look forward to as he is still so little.

“We just can’t thank everyone enough.”

Stefan will be going to America to start his treatment on May 30.

Proton beam treatment uses charged particles instead of X-rays to deliver radiotherapy for cancer patients.

The tumour is targeted directly, reducing the dose to surrounding tissues and organs.

Other events are being held to raise money for Stefan before the family go to the US at the end of the month.

For more information on these visit #StefansArmy on Facebook.