THE family of a 10-year-old boy who is desperately fighting a brain tumour is raising funds to help fund unique treatment and help him to complete his bucket list.

Longspee Academy student Josh Carrington has had both chemo and radiotherapy to try and rid him of an aggressive brain tumour but to no avail.

Since the age of three, Josh has been in and out of hospital as the tumour caused him to have epileptic fits. In 2011, specialist surgery was partially successful and removed the majority of the tumour.

After having been referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital for further surgery last February, his parents, Laura and Mike, were hopeful that Josh’s situation would be turned around.

But he collapsed over Christmas, as the family were on holiday, and Josh was hospitalised for five days in Bordeaux. They returned to Great Ormond Street only to be given even more bad news.

"The scan had shown the tumour had grown exponentially and was very aggressive,” Laura said. “We were referred back to Southampton General Hospital and started chemo and radiotherapy which he started in February.

"He was having treatment everyday which involved him being put to sleep. Then he had a scan in June which revealed that it hasn't worked and the tumour is still growing.

"We had a meeting with our consultant on Friday (JUL 22) and there is a trial they are very keen to start him on. We're hoping he can start this now."

Laura and Mike have already been inundated with donations via their online fundraising page which they hope will help Josh get back and forth to London for his treatment.

But they also want to raise enough money to help Josh realise his dreams. As well as loving Center Parcs and Marwell Zoo, Josh has always wanted to be a mascot for his football team, the Saints.

Laura of Corhampton Road in Southbourne said: "My little boy has always been poorly but I've always learned how to fight. It's just what we do and we do it for our little boy with a smile on our faces. It's about the whole family and all of us going through it in the right way. It's difficult and it's hard and life can be really cruel sometimes."

In the last three years Laura has also lost her sister Katie and mum Jane to cancer. But she said the family have been stunned by the generosity of others in their fight to get Josh what he needs.

"We have been really shocked by it and the fact others are prepared to give so generously,” the 33-year-old said.

"The other important thing now is it is raising awareness into brain tumours because it's extremely underfunded and we just want to get the word out."

To donate to Josh's cause visit gofundme.com/2ffgphw