DONATIONS for a little fighter from York who has been diagnosed with a potentially deadly brain tumour have almost trebled in just a few days.

The Press revealed last week that 18-month-old Riley Plant, from Burnholme, was having to undergo chemotherapy after being struck down with an incurable condition which has left him and his family facing a long and anxious health battle.

The grade-four atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour (AT/RT) gives a low survival rate among children, and although much of it has been removed, it could return within 18 months and leave Riley needing radiotherapy. He had to undergo an operation last week after an MRI scan discovered fluid on his brain.

His family and friends have set up the Smiley Riley Fund, which is aimed at raising enough money for the youngster, his parents Gavin Plant and Lindsay Carrington, and his sisters Ebony and Kelsy to go on holiday to Disneyworld in Florida once he is well enough to travel.

Gavin, 24, said that since The Press told Riley’s story, between £1,500 and £2,000 in donations had been received, taking the fund up to about £3,000. Events such as a race night at The Beeswing pub in Hull Road on August 11 are still to come.

“There has been really widespread awareness in York about Riley’s illness and I think it has pulled on a lot of people’s heartstrings,” he said.

“People have been ringing up and tweeting to offer donations. Friends I haven’t been in touch with for a long time have been getting in touch asking how they can help and we’ve been offered the chance to put donation buckets in shops.

“As well as individuals, companies like the Co-operative have been making donations and offering auction and raffle prizes, so the fund is looking really good and we’re so grateful to everybody who has helped, including The Press.”

Gavin said he and Lindsay particularly wanted to thank Rebecca O’Donovan and Colin Rowan, who have been instrumental in organising the fund and collecting donations.

Riley, whose conditioned was diagnosed in April, spent last weekend in Leeds General Infirmary after undergoing the operation, but came home yesterday.

He still has to endure three rounds of gruelling chemotherapy aimed at removing the rest of the tumour.

For more information about the Smiley Riley Fund, phone Colin Rowan on 07774 712651, Simone Potter on 07818 506476 or Donna Train on 07882 913547. You can also tweet using the hashtag #smileyrileyfund