YOUNG Alexander Vinson and his family are facing another Christmas in turmoil after doctors discovered a growth on his spine.

Just seven months ago the youngster, who is four today (Friday), was given the all-clear after successful radical proton beam therapy treatment in America on a brain tumour.

But his family were devastated when his latest scan revealed the tragic news.

Next week, in the build-up to Christmas, Alexander will be back in hospital for radiotherapy and small doses of chemotherapy to try and keep the tumour under control.

Last year the family spent Christmas in hospital in America, and were hoping to enjoy a family celebration at home this year.

“It’s awful, it’s heartbreaking and unbelievably not fair,” said mum Raluca.

“We are devastated and only now, after almost a month since we were told the news, I am able to talk about it.

“We don’t know what’s coming, but what we know is that we will try our best to keep him well, happy and to enjoy life for as long as possible.”

A fundraising campaign was launched after Alexander was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour – atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) – last July.

Funds quickly began to pour into the JustGiving page, set up by charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer and supported by the Wiltshire Times, and the appeal reached over £130,000 in November.

The family flew out to the Procure Proton Beam Therapy Centre in Oklahoma in December, returning in February.

A scan in May revealed that the treatment had been successful.

Now Alexander, Raluca and dad Philip, who live in Frome having moved from Dilton Marsh this year, will have to go through all of it again.

Mrs Vinson said the family had celebrated after Alexander was given the all-clear.

She added: “With the kindness of various charities and wonderful people we had the most amazing holidays in several locations including Disneyland Paris, Eastbourne, Alton Towers and the New Forest.

“Alexander also enjoyed the summer in the company of his grandparents from Romania and of course making the most of seeing and playing with his friends, who he missed a lot.

“He loves his friends, he wishes they lived with us so he can have them close constantly.

“The scan came as such a shock to us, and now all we can do is our best to keep him well and happy.”