THE Rudheath community has stepped up its fundraising efforts to send an eight-year-old battling a rare cancer on a dream holiday to America.

Saul Barry Hayden with diagnosed with stage 4 malignant Rhabdoid tumour in April and is currently undergoing intensive treatment.

To raise money for his family during this difficult time, which can go towards the holiday or travel expenses, the community has organised an afternoon tea event and set up a Just Giving page.

And as well as all of the proceeds going towards Saul’s family, those who attend the afternoon tea can enjoy food, drink and win some fantastic raffle prizes.

“I’ve never met Saul’s parents, but my son is at the same school and it could easily be your own child in that position,” said afternoon tea organiser Pauline Gray.

“In that situation, you don’t want to be thinking about money, and this is a good way that we can help out.

“The school have been great in letting us use the hall and everyone who has donated prizes for the raffle have been amazing.

“All of the money will go to Saul’s family and they can then use it on whatever they like, whether that be the holiday or travel costs to hospital appointments.”

In setting up the Just Giving page, Saul’s mum Vicki Kay-Spruce said: “If we get through this battle, we would love nothing more than to take Saul on his dream America holiday.

“We have had so much support and incredible messages from people wanting to help, so I thought it easier to set this page up rather than giving out my bank details.

“Saul’s dream is to see the new Star Wars world and meet all of his favourite superheroes.

“He has dealt with all of this with nothing but smiles and the will to fight, so anything you can do to help keep him smiling and give him the best quality of life goes a long way.”

The target to send the family to America is £12,500, and at the time of writing, the total currently stands at £1,350.

Afternoon Tea for Saul will be held on Thursday, November 21 at Rudheath Primary Academy.

Parents, grandparents and siblings of pupils at the school can attend between 2.15pm and 3.15pm, and everyone will be welcome between 3.30pm and 4.40pm.

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for children and can be bought from the school office or from Pauline on the school playground.

This will include a selection of food and drinks including sandwiches, pork pies, cakes, tea, coffee and juice.

Each ticket holder will be entered into the raffle, where prizes range from family days out to a £100 cruise voucher, and extra tickets can be bought for £1.

Donations to the family can be made via justgiving.com/crowdfunding/victoria-kay-spruce.