A DARLINGTON father has organised a "dawn til dusk" series of rugby matches tomorrow in aid of his ill son.

Mark ‘Tank’ Bell, Mowden Park Rugby Team’s third 15 Captain, arranged the marathon of rugby fixtures to raise money for his son Luke, who was diagnosed with High Risk Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, in April.

Luke, seven, is receiving chemotherapy at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. Mr Bell said the focus now for Luke was getting out and about and looking forward to the #TeamLuke day of rugby.

He said: “The news was devastating, and has turned our world upside down.

“However, Luke is a fighter, and continues to demonstrate bravery and courage throughout his treatment."

Local teams will be playing a series of consecutive matches throughout the day. The games are due to start at eight in the morning, culminating 12-hours later in a game between Mr Bell’s team and Newton Aycliffe.

The #TeamLuke campaign has so far raised more than £2,000, with money raised for Luke being spent on activities to make his illness easier, and given to North of England Children's Cancer Research charity.

The event is free to attend.

Donate by visiting #TeamLuke at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/teamluke