Connor Whipp is just like every other four year old boy. He collects Moshi Monsters, likes to play on his Wii and his favourite film is racoon caper Over the Hedge.
He loves Spiderman and Captain America and his dream in life is to become a superhero.
But this little superhero is not fighting crime, instead he’s fighting for his life.
And it’s a £250,000 specialised treatment in America that could make all the difference, with his family determined to raise the funds to get him there.
Last September Connor, who lives in Witton, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma – the rarest form of child cancer.
Not long after his fourth birthday he started to feel unwell. Despite going back and forth to the doctor he gradually started to get worse.
His mum Sarah then took him to see a paediatrician, who on seeing his swollen abdomen, ordered an ultrasound.
The scan revealed a huge mass and within three hours Connor was in Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
“In 24 hours our lives were turned upside down,” Connor’s grandmother Mary Power said. “We just need to keep raising money and keep thinking positive. I visited him last weekend, he smiled at me and that made week - to see his smile.”
She added: “The nurses at GOSH are absolute angels, nothing is too much.”
Connor’s family have been told the best option for Connor is to go to America for an antibody treatment. It offers a 25 per cent better chance of survival and prolongs the chance of a relapse.
Such treatment is not available in Britain.
But in order to be treated in America, the family needs to raise £250,000.
"Three days after Connor was diagnosed I set up The Connor Whipp Appeal," grandmother Mary said. "There is a charity called Families Against Neuroblastoma which helps families coping with the disease. And they have a number of individual appeals for children who are fighting neuroblastoma."
Connor is currently participating in a clinical trial that will see him receive one antibody treatment. But more will be needed.
Last week the youngster underwent major surgery, which removed 95 per cent of the tumour that is wrapped around his kidney . He will now need intensive chemotherapy.
"The doctors have said I've got cancer, a really bad type, it's like a monster inside me," Connor says on his fundraising website. "But I'm Captain Connor and I'm going to fight the monster and win."
Families, friends and strangers have all been fundraising to help get him to the US.
So far they have raised just over £52,000.
His cousin Ciara Power recently raised £1,306 by running the London Marathon.
She said: "I found it even harder than I had imagined it would be. At some points I was worried that I wouldn't be able to finish. But the messages of support I received, as well as the generosity of people really touched me and helped me to keep going."
If you would like to donate to Connor's fund click here
