THE family of a nine-year-old with a rare cancer are hoping unique treatment could help him.

Pierce White-Carter is battling neuroblastoma – a form of cancer for which there is no cure.

Mum Rebecca and dad Dominic, of Cowlersley, said they were told last week that the latest round of chemotherapy had failed.

They are now hoping he will either get further treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital or they are pinning their hopes on unique treatment in America, Germany or Italy – the only places a suitable proton therapy is available.

Rebecca said: “Last week tests showed the chemotherapy isn’t working and the cancer is still there. He’d been having it since last November and we hoped it would work.

“We’re looking at proton therapy abroad now and we’re raising money to fund it. They offer it in America, Germany and there’s one place in Italy.

“It’s a proton therapy which will help keep the cancer under control and keep it away in the future.”

Proton therapy is one of the most precise and advanced form of radiation treatments which radiates the tumour site, leaving surrounding healthy tissue and organs intact.

Pierce, a Cowlersley Primary School pupil, spent weeks in and out of the special cancer unit at St James’s Hospital, Leeds, last year for gruelling courses of chemotherapy.

A full body scan in October at Leeds General Infirmary yielded a surprising result – that tumours had receded from his arms, legs and head, but were still present in his torso. But while it was a positive sign, his condition is terminal.

Initially, doctors gave Pierce six to nine months, then nine to 18 and now two years.

Rebecca added: “He knows what’s happening. We don’t lie to him at all, it’s best to be honest.

“He’s still carrying on as normal like he always does.”

On Saturday the family will hold a fundraising day at the Greenhead Masonic Hall from 12.30pm until 5.30pm, which is open for all to attend.

It includes an auction, with a trip to the Emmerdale set up for grabs along with a raffle, face painting and games for all the family. They have been supported by friends Adele Thackray, Kelly Parr, the Masonic Hall and a host of local businesses and organisations.

Then on March 11 they will host a clairvoyant evening at Deighton Working Men’s Club at 8pm. Admission is £3, which includes a raffle ticket. For tickets contact Rebecca on 07738 095152.