TWO-YEAR-OLD Alexander Vinson has finally flown out to America for life-saving treatment on a rare brain tumour after almost two months of trying to fundraise £150,000.

The youngster from Dilton Marsh flew out with parents Philip and Raluca on Monday from Heathrow Airport to receive proton beam therapy at the Procure Proton Beam Therapy Centre in Oklahoma, where he could stay for up to three months.

His family were forced to raise the £150,000 themselves after the NHS rejected their application, with charity Kids ‘N’ Cancer setting up a JustGiving page and the Wiltshire Times supporting the campaign.

And Mrs Vinson was presented with plane tickets and £5,000 at the charity’s fifth anniversary party in Sheffield on November 21 despite £7,000 in funds still being needed.

“Kids ‘N’ Cancer have been amazing, I grew up in a different culture and I didn’t know how much a charity could help,” said Mrs Vinson, 35, of Friars Close.

“I had friends who kept on looking at the total and kept updating me when we were in hospital with Alexander. We are so lucky with the friends we have got.

“I went out for a walk with Alexander the other day and someone walked past and asked 'Is this Alexander Vinson?'

“I said yes and they apologised for not being able to go to a fundraising event that was held for him and then they gave me £20. It just made me cry, I’d never seen that person before in my life.

“I got to meet Dr Andrew Chang from the hospital in America at the anniversary evening and he is the most genuine, wonderful guy and I can ask him anything without feeling uncomfortable.

“Sometimes we forget what’s in Alexander’s head because he’s full of energy and like a normal child.

“The tumour is growing back though and we realise we are running out of time.”

Mr Vinson, 41, who works as an engineer in Bath, added: “I’m gobsmacked by the generosity of people. I didn’t think people would give so much.”

Alexander was diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT) in July and underwent two eight-hour operations to have 80 per cent of the tumour removed.

The family still need to raise £7,000 to reach the £150,000 target and additional funds may be needed if Alexander has to spend further time in hospital due to unexpected illnesses.

Mike Hyman, co-founder of Kids ‘n’ Cancer, said: “It is extremely moving knowing that Alexander now has access to the treatment he so desperately needs.

“Alexander and his parents’ departure to the USA marks the completion of a journey, an extremely rocky journey. Raluca and Philip have stayed incredibly strong and calm through it all."

“We are all extremely grateful, and overwhelmed, by the general public’s support for this little boy and his family. We’re now extremely optimistic that little Alexander can undergo this crucial treatment and come back to have a normal, healthy life.”

To make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/actionforalexander/ or send cheques to Kids ‘n’ Cancer at Bridge Business Centre, Beresford Way, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 9FG. Cheques should include a note on the back stating it is for the ‘Alexander Appeal’.