A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched in aid of a 14-year-old who is receiving treatment for leukaemia.

Alex Graham Holding of Flint is currently undergoing treatment at Alder Hey children’s hospital for acute myeloid leukaemia.

To relieve some of the pressure on him and his parents Lee Holding and Courtney Owen, friends have set up a JustGiving page.

Jayney Royle, who set up the page with her husband Scott, said: "They rushed to the doctors after Alex had bruising on his back - they didn't like the look of it at all.

"It all happened really quick. The next thing he was at Alder Hey.

The Leader:

"We just thought - it could have happened to any of us, so to take the pressure off a bit we wanted to try to raise some money to help.

"Alex's family are living in the accommodation there.

"They are very grateful and emotional at the moment and they're overwhelmed by the donations.

"They are keeping it together."

The page, which has so far raised £265 of its £500 target, states the donations will be used to purchase "central line covers" which will help to prevent Alex getting any further blood infections.

Funds will also be used to buy a laptop for Alex so he is able to keep up with his school GCSE work and to help his family cover travel expenses.

In a statement on the page, Lee Holding said: "I’d like to thank Scott Royle, Jayney Royle and everyone who has donated and/or shared the link, it means so much.

"Things are difficult right now we are trying our best to manage this whole situation."

Mrs Royle, 27, said: "I was really happy with how the page has kicked off - we've had a lot of donations from family and friends."

To find out more about the appeal and to donate, visit www.justgiving.com and search for Scott Royle