IT was the news every parent dreads – your four-year-old has a brain tumour.

But if that wasn’t bad enough, Dave and Kerrie Thompson were also told the specialised form of radiotherapy their son Harvey requires is not available in this country.

Fortunately it is offered in the United States and the NHS seems likely to fund the treatment.

But the family still face hurdles. They will need to raise £5,000 by the end of February to cover their living costs during Harvey’s two months of treatment.

It may not sound a great deal of money to some, but it’s a lifesaving amount for young Harvey.

Let’s just hope those reading his story will be moved enough to help.