A LOCAL swim school has raised as much as £1,145 for a Coldridge boy battling stage four cancer.

Baby Squids Devon held the fundraiser last week for two-year-old Joshua, who was recently diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that has formed a tumour on his right kidney.

The youngster is undergoing an “intense” 18-month treatment plan including chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell harvesting, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and more.

So far, he has finished his fifth round of chemotherapy and MRI results are showing a 50 per cent reduction in his primary tumour.

“Josh’s journey in the pool began like so many others, first kicks, playful giggles, proud parents cheering from the poolside,” a Baby Squids Devon spokesperson said.

“But recently, his journey took an unexpected and devastating turn.

“Josh’s days are no longer filled with songs and floats and duck dives – they are filled with hospital corridors, chemotherapy drips, and the quiet courage only small children and superheroes seem to possess.

“During the week starting Monday, July 7, Baby Squids Devon hosted a Superhero Swim Week.

“It was a full week of swimming lessons, dress-ups, and fundraising, in support of this brave little boy and Josh’s family and a special local children’s cancer charity.

“All of our swimmers and parents wore their favourite superhero costume over their swimsuits to show this little one that he’s not fighting alone.

“Because right now, Josh is the superhero. And we get to be his sidekicks.”

The funds raised by Baby Squids Devon so far total £1,145, with some donations going directly to the family to help cover travel to specialist hospitals and accommodation and others to charity Young Lives vs Cancer.

If you would like to donate, you can visit Joshua’s family’s JustGiving page: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/4joshua, or visit Young Lives vs Cancer’s website: younglivesvscancer.org.uk/donate.