Three-year-old Alfie Barrow, from Ulverston, was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer, in March this year.
His family travelled to Manchester on Monday for his final round of treatment before he has major surgery but it was delayed a week because of low blood counts.
Despite this, Alfie is keeping his spirits up.
His mother, Samantha Riddell, told the Mail: “He’s so much more energetic and happy within himself which is amazing to see. We really appreciate everyone’s support throughout this difficult time.”
Alfie’s Army are raising money to support both him and his family (Image: Submitted)
He is now scheduled for surgery on September 15, followed by two rounds of high-dose chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Ms. Riddell said in an update on their GoFundMe page: “Alfie is doing absolutely amazing and taking everything in his stride. The treatment does knock him down but he gets right back up again. He’s such a happy little boy makes us so proud everyday.”
It has been an especially difficult time for the whole family as Ms. Riddell also recently lost her mother.
Alfie’s parents are both self-employed and have been unable to work while caring for him and travelling regularly to Manchester for treatment.
This led to heir friends and family setting up ‘Alfie’s Army’, a GoFundMe page to support Alfie and his family with travel, accommodation, food and anything else that Alfie needs.
They have hosted a number of fundraising events over the last few months and the latest will take place at Cloud 9 and The Lounge in Barrow. on Friday, September 4, from 7.30pm to 1am.
The ‘Alfie’s Army’ organisers said: “Every penny raised will go towards supporting Alfie and his family with travel, accommodation, everyday living costs, hospital essentials, and any additional treatments that could give Alfie the best possible chance.
“This special evening has been organised to help ease that burden.”
The fundraiser promises an evening of entertainment with a performance promised from drag queen Priscilla herself.
It will be a night of laughter and community spirit to show Alfie and his family they are not alone in this battle.
Ms Riddell has expressed her deep gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying it has made a difficult journey a little more bearable.
She said: “It’s amazing how much support you have behind you when you go through a very difficult time even though sometimes you feel so alone.”
Tickets for the Cloud 9 fundraiser are £10 and can be bought here.