AN ONLINE fundraiser has been launched in hopes of raising £3,000 to support the family of a 14-year-old boy battling a rare brain tumour. 

Bracknell boy Liam Stevens, the youngest of seven children, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in October 2014 and has undergone more than a year of gruelling chemotherapy and hospital visits in his fight against the illness.

He was dubbed the 'Child of Courage' at the Pride of Bracknell awards in April 2015 for his courage and positive attitude and tireless work to raise money to help other seriously-ill children. 

Now, friends of the family want to help support them as Liam prepares to start a second course of chemotherapy after tests showed his tumour was growing and his eye sight has started to deteriorate. 

More than £600 had been raised in just five days.

Mum Mandy Sharpe says she is grateful for their support and said: "It's an up and down battle at the moment. It's touching to think that so many people do care, it's an amazing amount to raise in a short time and Liam has had a lot of nice messages to tell him to keep being strong, which obviously means a lot to him.

"Liam tries to be that happy person that makes everybody else laugh and he like to laugh and joke about. I think a lot of it is for show, it's easier to tell people you're happy than to tell them you're sad. What he's going through for a 14 year old, no one should have to go through it."

She added she is hopeful that one day Liam will be able to undergo Proton Beam Therapy, a pioneering treatment for cancer, and in the meantime she wants to buy him a dry suit so he can enjoy swimming and fund relaxation classes to help him when he feels frustrated at his illness. 

Bracknell News:

Mandy has given up work to be able to care for Liam, and says the family can sometimes struggle on their income from benefits. 

"It's been tough on everyone really, it's been a bit of a struggle but I just thought it's better to be here for Liam when he needs me. 

"Everyone says he's such an inspiration and everyone who meets him can hardly believe he's so ill. He thrives on making other people smile. I'm so proud of him."

To donate visit http://www.gofundme.com/4jkmm67w 

Founder of the online fundraiser, Sian Coffey, said: "I'm just trying to raise some awareness to help Liam. Have known him since he was in nappies and it breaks my heart seeing him go through all the chemo, anything I can do to ease the stress on the family I'm willing to do."