A MUM whose five-year-old son has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer is pleading for donations so she can be at his side during revolutionary treatment in America.

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.

His treatment started a month ago, but now doctors want him to go to America 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 are appealing for help to cover living costs for three months.

Stefan’s mum, Danielle Edwards, 29, said: “Stefan’s tumour is so close to his brain that the doctors are concerned that the chemotherapy could affect him later in life

“The proton beam therapy would be good for him.”

The 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.

Danielle set up a JustGiving page to raise £7,500 on Monday, March 27 and it has already surpassed £2,000.

Danielle, who is a student, added: “I’m overwhelmed with what has already been raised. I feel St Helens people come together in a crisis and they are doing it for my little boy.

“They’ve shown me that there is a lot of really good people out there that are truly saving my son's life.

“I’m only a student and his dad Shaun can’t afford it either. All we want is for Stefan to get better, that little boy is my entire world and he has already been so brave.

“When he lost his hair I just said he was like some of his superheroes and it would grow back and he just accepted it."

“I’m so proud of him and can’t thank people enough for what they are doing.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Stefanedwards?utm_id=107&utm_term=gx5rPbEMv