THE family of a little boy who has been battling cancer for three years have received the devastating news that he has only months to live.

Five-year-old Blaise Etheridge-Clarke, of Rawcliffe , York, has undergone surgery and months of radio and chemotherapy for tumours on his brain and spine, but doctors have recently told the family that there is nothing more they can do to help him.

Since receiving the prognosis three weeks ago, his parents Theresa and Tony have started a “bucket list” for Blaise to grant him as many wishes as possible and to create special memories for his brothers Christian, seven, and Zach and Jerome, both three.

Because Blaise has appeared to be very healthy because he has had a break from treatment, his mother said the test results which showed that tumours on his brain and spine had grown and spread was a huge shock.

Theresa said: “It’s hard to explain how devastating it is.

“Mr parents and grandparents both died of cancer. My dad had a brain tumour – from my experience I know it is hard to cure.

“I thought in the back of my mind it might happen but you always live with a little bit of hope.

“Until we had that news, because he was so well, there was that little bit of hope. It was a massive shock.

“Previously to that he has been so ill with septicaemia and chest infections. He has come through all that and we get this news. Because he is still here, we are trying to enjoy him.”

The St Wilfrid’s RC Primary School pupil underwent a catalogue of treatment after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

He has had brain and spine operations as well as 16 months of chemotherapy and spells of radiotherapy.

As a result of a five-month break from treatment, Blaise currently appears to be very healthy. His hair has grown back and energy levels are higher.

But Theresa, a nurse at St James’s Hospital in Leeds, said they had no idea when his condition would start to deteriorate.

The things Blaise has asked for on his bucket list – a list of things to do before you pass away – includes a trip to the beach, a visit to Lego Land in Windsor, the chance to meet Nintendo characters Mario and Luigi, and for a Wii console and Guinea pigs to play with.

As he celebrates his sixth birthday on September 1, Blaise has also asked for presents including a Spider-Man costume and web shooter, a karaoke machine, an iPad and a scooter.

Blaise, who was The Press Community Pride Awards Child Of The Year in 2010, was taken to Disneyland in Florida with his family last year thanks to the fundraising efforts of people in York, and he has hopes of going to Disneyland one last time.

Theresa said: “We would like to thank everyone for all they did for us. We certainly would not have got to Disney without all those generous people and he did have the time of his life.”

If any businesses or individuals would be able to help with Blaise’s list, they should email Theresa at etheridge8@sky.com