THE family of a Bradford teenager suffering from cancer have thanked wellwishers for their “truly humbling” support.

Austin Smith, who is 13 and lives in Clayton, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, earlier this year after being admitted to hospital with severe pain in his leg.

After further scans, doctors then found signs of cancer in his lungs.

Austin is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Leeds General Infirmary which, if it successfully shrinks the tumour in his leg, could lead to an operation, to be carried out in Birmingham, to remove and replace a bone in his limb.

To help support Austin and his parents, Riley and Jessica Smith, and his little sister, Morgan, family and friends are organising a series of fundraising events to help fund costs associated with his care.

An appeal on the ‘Facing Austin’s Cancer Together’ Go Fund Me page has raised almost £7,700 of a £10,000 target so far.

A message on the site reads: “For those who don’t know him, Austin is a loving, funny, happy, energetic 13 year-old boy.

“We have no idea how long or hard the treatments will be as this is all new ground for us, but we know that with all his fantastic friends behind him and the family, they wont be alone.”

Austin’s aunt, Hannah Smith, has worked with Tammy Colley, manager of the Green Top Day Nursery in Clayton, to organise a fun day at the nursery from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, July 22. The event will feature a visit from firefighters, live music, ponies, face-painting, a bouncy castle, and various stalls.

Two of Austin’s other aunts will also be tackling the ‘Pretty Muddy Halifax’ Race for Life, a 5km obstacle course, on the same day.

Austin’s dad and his uncles have raised money by doing a sponsored head shave, and his former school, Clayton Village Primary School, also supported the appeal with a sponsored walk.

“The community support has been really overwhelming, and I know Jess and Riley are truly grateful to everyone,” said Hannah.

“They would find it very difficult to be willing to accept donations as they have always been the ones to help others, but we know that many will understand that the impact financially can be a huge burden, especially as the family are self-employed.

“Obviously they are heartbroken at the situation and are just trying to keep positive for Austin.We as a family have all had a hard year as we lost our sister-in-law to cancer at just 38 on September 6 last year, and we hadn’t got ourselves together from that.

“The support has been truly humbling, and the fact that so many people want to donate to help with the tough journey ahead is astounding to us all.”

For information on the fundraising appeal, visit www.gofundme.com/togetherforaustin.