KIND-hearted fundraisers have helped collect more than �2000 to go towards life-saving cancer treatment for an Exmouth boy.

Raymond O’Sullivan, of Green Close, has been diagnosed with orbital rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancerous tumour near his eye for the second time in his life - despite medical chiefs stating it was incredibly rare for the illness to return.

The 11-year-old Exmouth Community College pupil needs a form of radiotherapy in seven weeks time which is only available in America and Holland at a cost of between �15,000 and �18,000.

His family have been told there was a possibility the NHS may not pay. This prompted his mum, Vanessa Evens, to launch a fundraising campaign, which the Journal is supporting.

Just one week into the campaign, the people of Exmouth have already demonstrated their generosity and desire to help.

The Freemasons, which comprises of Sun Lodge, Rolle Lodge, Per Mare Per Terram Lodge and Sun Chapter Lodge, donated �1000.

The sum has been matched by The Freemasons’ Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Devonshire.

And, Mrs Evens, 42, joined by her team of fundraisers, collected nearly �1000 after taking donation buckets to a number of pubs in Exmouth last Saturday night, October 2.

Reflecting on the first week of the campaign, she said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed with the support and generosity of people.

“I was in floods of tears quite often when people were digging deep into their pockets to give money.”