THE parents of an eight-year-old boy who is battling cancer for a second time have vowed not to give up their fight and are now fundraising in the hope experimental treatment can save him.

Shane Edwards was six when he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in February 2012 and underwent two major operations, radiotherapy and 12 months of chemotherapy.

His parents Tracy and Philip were devastated to learn that he had an aggressive form of cancer, known as glioblastoma multiforme.

The couple, of Miles Hill Crescent, Bierley, believed Shane was starting to win the fight after months of regular scans coming back all clear. But after developing a headache while at school in July this year, a further scan showed the tumour was back.

Tracy, 33, told the Telegraph & Argus: "Doctors initially said they didn't think there was anything that could be done - they couldn't operate this time.

"I was in shock at first, but then thought there has to be something they can do. So we asked for more chemotherapy and he seems to be reacting well - his bloods have been spot on."

She added: "We are waiting on a clinical trial at the Royal Marsden in London and had hoped to hear last week. If we get it we will need help with the costs of travelling to London and staying there, so we started fundraising last week.

"People have been donating through our Facebook page and we have already raised £250. Shane has a wishlist too, including a trip to Drayton Manor and a petrol buggy.

"Also if the possibility of treatment in America comes up we will fight to get it."

Friends and businesses in the area have been donating prizes which are then auctioned off through the fundraising page and a number are organising special events of their own.

Shane, who has three siblings - twin brother Scott, Kyle, 12, and Callum, ten, - is a pupil at New Hall Park Primary School, but is not expected to return in September, with Tracy planning for him to be taught at home instead.

Tracy added: "He doesn't look like he has this life-threatening disease - he is always racing around and full of energy, but I have to restrict him from certain things as I'm worried about him getting an infection.

"He's proved the doctors' wrong for the past two and a half years and is still battling away."

More information on the family's fundraising efforts can be found through Facebook on their Shane's Fundraising page.

One such event is a family fun day being held at The Quarry Gap pub, Dick Lane, Tyersal, on Saturday, September 13, from noon until 5pm. There will be a bouncy castle, pony rides and children's games as well as a raffle and tombola.

Anyone wanting to donate a raffle prize should contact the pub directly.