THE family of brave youngster Bradley Lowery have appealed for people to keep up their fundraising efforts as hopes are raised that the five-year-old could have longer to live than expected.

Five-year-old Bradley of Blackhall, County Durham, has touched the hearts of millions around the world as he fights childhood cancer neuroblastoma.

His parents were told the devastating news before Christmas it was terminal and he only had two months to live – but following radiotherapy doctors think it could give him six months more.

The renewed appeal comes as Bradley became one of the faces of charity Cancer Research UK's campaign for World Cancer Day, which is on February 4.

He is being featured on a TV advert which showcases the support he has received, particularly from the world of football.

Writing on Facebook, his mother Gemma said: “The new treatment Bradley is having in the UK is very expensive.

“Depending on how many rounds he has and if it is working it could cost around £500,000 for 12 rounds. Bradley will be scanned after two rounds to see if it is working.”

She added: “When doctors told me Bradley had two months to live I decided not to give up on my baby that easy and to keep fighting not knowing what the outcome would be but anything is better than two months.

“Since then he has had radiotherapy which his doctor thinks could give him at least six months, which is amazing."

The family are remaining positive and say there is still a possibility they will get him to America to get the treatment they believe will prevent the cancer coming back.

Mrs Lowery said: “These drugs are definitely not available in the UK which means I would have to go to the States for it.

“This treatment would cost at least £700,000 without extra expenses on top of that and because we would have to use a large chunk of what has already been raised for his current treatment we need to keep raising money.”

  • A new fundraising page has been set up for the youngster.
  • Funds not used by the family will go into the Bradley Lowery foundation to help other children. Click here for how to donate.