THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised in support of a toddler who is fighting leukaemia.

Nico James, 18 months, is currently receiving treatment at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, and recently underwent a stem cell transplant following two rounds of chemotherapy.

The brave tot was diagnosed with high-risk acute myeloid leukaemia on June 1 after he began developing lumps on his body.

He has been at the RVI ever since, where his parents, Georgina and Tony James are by his side.

The couple, who live in Frizington, are taking turns to come home as they also have another young son, Lucca, who is being cared for by family members.

Nico’s great-aunt, Patricia Spedding, said: “There are good days and bad days. Sometimes they will just have an emotional breakdown.

“But the support that the people of Egremont and Whitehaven have given them, is absolutely tremendous.

"It’s unbelievable.”

A number of fundraisers have been organised by the community, including raffles and a climb up Scafell Pike, which has raised over £3,000. Nico’s grandma, Christine Tupman is doing the Great North Run this weekend and has also raised over £3,000 already.

A charity event is being organised by Ms Spedding and her nephew, Andrew Clark, who have held a number of previous fundraisers for other causes since 2020. The event is due to be held in Egremont Conservative Club on November 24.

Money raised from the fundraisers will go to Crawford House, operated by The Sick Children’s Trust, which provides support for families of seriously ill children being treated at Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Additional cash donations will be given to the ‘Bubble Unit’ at the RVI, which helps to treat children who have chronic conditions that affect their immune systems.

To donate to Ms Tupman’s fundraising page, go to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christine-tupman?