The family of a young boy with a ‘nasty’, rare form of cancer have been blown away by people’s kindness after a fundraiser raised £10,000 in just 24 hours.

When two-year-old Henry Barber’s parents Patrick and Sophie took him to be checked out by doctors, the last thing they expected was their otherwise ‘happy and healthy’ little boy being diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

The rare form of cancer affects about 100 children in the UK each year, including, most famously, Bradley Lowery.

Speaking of his diagnosis last September dad Patrick, a teacher from Teesside, told The Northern Echo: “It was absolutely terrible - just staggering,

The Northern Echo: Henry Barber, 2, is still smiling despite his diagnosis.Henry Barber, 2, is still smiling despite his diagnosis. (Image: FAMILY)

"He’s a happy, healthy young boy and he was having a fantastic time at nursery.

“Neuroblastoma is very different with every child. I was aware of Bradley Lowery, but I wasn’t aware of neuroblastoma.

“It’s a really nasty disease”.

For Henry's parents, trips to see him in hospital at the RVI in Newcastle have become the daily norm despite the arrival of his little sister in December.

The Northern Echo: Henry Barber has undergone six rounds of chemo, surgery and high-dose chemo,Henry Barber has undergone six rounds of chemo, surgery and high-dose chemo, (Image: FAMILY)

Since his diagnosis in September, Henry has had six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery to remove a tumour from his abdomen, and has just undergone high-dose chemo.

But the little lad, who loves dinosaurs and cars and supports Middlesbrough FC, has been undeterred.

“He’s a lovely bubbly boy and he just takes everything in his stride,” Patrick continued.

“He’s so brave.

“He’s quite poorly at the moment but he takes it on with a smile.”

The Northern Echo: Henry's dad Patrick can't believe how brave his little boy has been.Henry's dad Patrick can't believe how brave his little boy has been. (Image: FAMILY)

The Boro fan even managed to get his football strip on and give a cheer of  ‘Up the Boro!’ before his side took on Chelsea in the League Cup in January.

On Tuesday (March 5) Henry’s uncles Matt and Anth launched a fundraising page after deciding to take on a marathon to raise awareness of neuroblastoma.

Matt, who works for Boro posted Henry’s story online and the GoFundMe page took off, hitting £10,000 in less than 24 hours.

The Northern Echo: Henry Barber.Henry Barber. (Image: FAMILY)

“Matt set the target at £10,000 just to see what would happen and just sitting last night refreshing the page it took my breath away how kind, generous and supportive people have been”, Patrick said.

“It has been crazy.

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“It means a lot to me that he’s in peoples’ thoughts and they’re sending their best wishes.”

The fundraiser now stands at more than £20,000 with the money going towards Henry’s fight if needed, and raising awareness of neuroblastoma.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at gofundme.com/henry-the-boro-fan.