EVERY day little William Atkinson dashes to the door to check if he has any post but his heart sinks when there is nothing there.

The Christmas-mad five-year-old who is battling cancer was overjoyed when he received more than 3,000 Christmas cards from strangers and even the Prime Minister last year after a Daily Echo appeal.

But when the brave youngster, who was diagnosed with leukaemia aged two, told how he felt sad, saying ‘mummy, everybody has forgotten me’, mum Eliana launched into action.

She is now asking people around the world to send William and his eight-year-old brother Gary, their good wishes in Christmas cards.

Eliana, from Swanage, said: “Last year was an absolute delight. We had so much fun opening them. It gave us a chance to forget this horrendous reality we live in. We got so much positive energy from the cards.

“To my surprise William has been sitting by the door every day. I explained to him that it’s not every year we get that many but he keeps telling me ‘mummy, I’ve been forgotten’ which breaks my heart. I think he felt special."

The family’s world turned upside down when William was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2014.

He endures daily chemotherapy and will do until November 2017, weekly blood tests, steroids, antibiotics and frequent hospital stays.

Due to his low immune system, the pupil at Corfe Castle CE Primary School is not able to go to the park or birthday parties with a lot of other children.

Recently, William has undergone corrective surgery on both feet after one of the drugs caused damage to his tendons which has left him learning to walk again.

He is now out of his casts after six weeks but must wear acrylic boots until he is a teenager to help him walk.

“He’s such a fighter. He has been through a lot for such a little boy but he never complains. He's a joy to be with.

"He was asked for homework to write about his favourite places and his were school, Asda and hospital because that is all he knows.

“Cancer can be very lonely. I feel so sorry for him. His immune system is very low so he spends a lot of time isolated at home.

“He has to learn how to be a normal kid again. He can't play sport, he can't ride a bike. It's far from having a normal childhood. It's heartbreaking."

However William's older brother Gary provides support and Eliana has requested everyone addresses cards to him too.

She said: “Gary has been an amazing big brother and very brave throughout.

“We are all looking forward to a magical Christmas and we pray we can be at home."

Send cards to William and Gary Atkinson at 16 Alderbury Close, Swanage, BH19 2SN

William’s family and friends are raising funds to buy a wooden playhouse and small playground so the youngster can play at home.

To support him go to https://www.youcaring.com/williamcuryatkinson-716010