YOUNG runners rallied round a boy with cancer to raise more than £1,500 for potentially lifesaving treatment.

Children as young as three from Evenwood Road Runners’ junior section came out in force for a ‘marathon’ event in aid of Darlington boy Luke Bell.

The eight-year-old was diagnosed with high risk neuroblastoma – a rare form of cancer – last year.

After chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, Luke was bravely facing what he hoped was his last round of treatment when his family got the devastating news that he had relapsed.

The chances of a cure are now considered remote but his family refuse to give up hope and have started fundraising to explore treatment options abroad which could cost more than £200,000.

After hearing about Luke, members of the County Durham club decided to hold a fundraiser the juniors could take part in.

Each child did at least one mile-long leg of the 26mile relay route.

Juniors coach Paul Tucker said: “The kids and parents were all enthused by it and we got a really good turn out.

“Sponsorship was brilliant too– we were quite amazed to have raised more than £1,500. Everyone has been so generous.”

More than 30 children took part and they were able to hand their cheque over to Luke in person, when the Holy Family Primary School pupil and his family joined them at their club night.

Mr Tucker said: “It was brilliant when Luke turned up. He took part in a couple of events and little games we did which was lovely.”

Luke was also awarded the club’s coveted star of the week award and became a member, with his own running t-shirt and hoody.

“We hope to keep that connection and maybe keep the children up to date with his progress," said Mr Tucker.

His grandmother, Carol Bell, said: “It’s unbelievable how much they raised and it was quite overwhelming. We got there and they were so lovely, especially as he was quite shy at first.

“He’s not been in school a lot so he’s mostly around adults so it was great for him to spend time with children and he enjoyed it so much we stayed til the end.”

Luke has just began a trial chemotherapy treatment in London, with further costly treatment options abroad on the horizon including potential trials in either Barcelona or New York.