THOUSANDS of pounds has been raised in 24 hours for York schoolboy Oscar Hughes after he suffered a sudden relapse in his recovery from a brain tumour.

An MRI scan has shown that Oscar, nine, from Dunnington, has cancer cells all over his brain and spine, and there is no known cure for the condition.

Now friends have launched a campaign to raise £150,000 to fund a possible journey abroad to take part in promising research and clinical trials.

And his parents Marie and Ian have been astonished by the immediate reaction of well-wishers from across York and elsewhere, who had donated more than £4,000 by yesterday lunchtime - just a day after the fundraising drive was launched.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received,” said Marie.

Oscar, who was named a Child Of The Year at the York Community Pride awards last autumn, underwent an 11-hour operation to remove a brain tumour in February last year, followed by a series of gruelling courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

As he recovered, he decided to raise money for the children’s cancer charity, Yorkshire Candlelighters, organising a balloon sale at Dunnington and a marathon relay at his primary school in the village, and reached a total of £6,500.

Marie said 2014 had started well for him with a clear scan, and the family had booked holidays for the summer and started to make plans for an end-of -treatment party.

But at the end of last month, he was suddenly and unexpectedly taken ill with stroke-like symptoms and rushed to hospital, with a subsequent scan revealing the presence of cancer cells in his brain and spine.

“There is no known cure and for now the disease is being controlled until a different treatment plan is found that will cure Oscar,” said Marie. “Currently there are a number of promising research and clinical trials starting up which should give Oscar the chance he needs to lead a full life organising a balloon sale at Dunnington and a marathon relay at his primary school in the village, and reached a total of £6,500.

Marie said 2014 had started well for him with a clear scan, and the family had booked holidays for the summer and started to make plans for an end-of -treatment party.

But at the end of last month, he was suddenly and unexpectedly taken ill with stroke-like symptoms and rushed to hospital, with a subsequent scan revealing the presence of cancer cells in his brain and spine.

“There is no known cure and for now the disease is being controlled until a different treatment plan is found that will cure Oscar,” said Marie. “Currently there are a number of promising research and clinical trials starting up which should give Oscar the chance he needs to lead a full life."

To make a donation, go to http://www.gofundme.com/fightingforoscar