Tot battling rare cancer has 'day to remember' at Riverside Stadium as fundraiser reaches £30,000

A battling tot and his family had a 'day to remember' when they visited Teesside's Riverside Stadium.

Boro fan, two-year-old Henry Barber, took centre stage at half time when he smiled and waved to fans in thanks for all their support.

A bucket collection held at the stadium ahead of the team's match against Watford raised £1,342 to support young Henry and his family as he fights his battle with a rare form of cancer.

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Henry, who is fighting a rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma, was introduced at half-time at the Riverside, smiling and waving to all four corners of the ground as dad Patrick thanked the crowd for what has been an incredible response to the family’s appeal. Combined with funds raised at a recent Q&A event with Boro chairman Steve Gibson, organised by Fly Me To The Moon editor Rob Nichols, the bucket collection has tipped the fundraising total past £30,000.

Patrick said: "It has been a truly overwhelming response and we are so grateful to everyone who has contributed. It was an amazing day for Henry and our family at the Riverside, and one we won't ever forget.

"Thank you to all the Boro and Watford supporters who made a donation to the bucket collection, as well as anyone who has donated via the online fundraising page or elsewhere. Henry is now getting ready to undergo the next round of his treatment, and it means so much to us knowing what incredible support we've got from people across Teesside and even further afield."

The 'cheeky' Yarm youngster keeps smiling despite battling the rare and aggressive form of cancer. Henry, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in September, last year, has to undergoing high-dose chemotherapy at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, as part of his treatment.

Despite this, the dinosaur-loving toddler has been described by his family as a "real trooper" who is "always smiling". Since a GoFundMe page was set up a staggering £30,545 has flooded in to help support Henry and his parents, Patrick and Sophie, who also welcomed a baby girl, Annabel in December, with the financial toll of him being in the RVI.

Two of Henry's uncles, Matthew and Anthony Barber, are running a marathon later this year to help raise cash following the "devastating" diagnosis. Matthew, who is deputy head of media at Middlesbrough FC, said Henry underwent numerous tests after falling ill and the family then got the devastating blow he had cancer.

To support the fundraising click here.