The family of a five-year-old boy battling a brain tumour is hoping to raise enough money to take him to Disney World.

Tyler Witherall, of Bowers Road, Benfleet, has undergone five gruelling operations and faces another six months of chemotherapy.

To give the youngster something to look forward to, his family launched a fundraising campaign to take him on a dream holiday once his treatment is over.

His mum Amy, 22, said: “He was diagnosed in September and went straight for surgery the same week. “Up to now, he’s had six weeks’ of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and about five operations.

“He had been ill for a long time, but the doctors and the hospital had been saying he was fine.

“It was only when they finally did a scan, the brain tumour was found.”

Tyler’s family faces a worrying six-week wait before receiving scan results that will reveal more about the nature of his condition.

Amy said the medical procedures had a big impact on the bubbly youngster’s behaviour.

She said: “He is so quiet. The brain surgery has affected him a lot. He used to be able to run all over the place like five-year-olds do, but now he can’t move around much.

“He has only just started moving and talking again.”

Tyler is a Year 1 pupil at Holy Family Primary School, in Kents Hill Road, Benfleet, but has been too unwell to attend lessons since his diagnosis.

His grandmother, Dawn Witherall, said: “The little boy is such a fighter and we want to do something for him.

“Tyler was so happy and full of energy. He has been so brave throughout his treatment, but he has a long road ahead.”

The family decided to set up a web page for donations to Tyler’s cause, which has received more than £500 in only three days.

Amy added: “We wanted to treat him to something really nice. It makes us feel really good seeing how generous everyone has been.”

Any remaining money will go towards creating a sensory room for Tyler at the family home.

Visit gofundme.com/jlru6o