CLOSE friends have been rallying round a distraught couple whose 17-month child has been battling a rare form of cancer for the past seven months.

Tiny Raymond Carr has been in Bristol Children’s Hospital since early August when he was diagnosed with a tumour of the liver which can be life threatening.

His parents, Bonnie Upham, 36, and her partner Richard Carr, 39, who live at Plain Pond, Wiveliscombe, have been with him throughout his treatment.

Bonnie, who had to give up work to be with him, said yesterday: “Ray has fought many battles - sepsis, infections and cardiac arrest, and undergone five rounds of chemo to shrink the tumour by nearly half.

“Ray spent time in Kings College of Nursing Hospital in London having a major eight-hour operation to remove 70 per cent of his liver, before undergoing another five-hour operation. After ten days spent there we were transferred back to Bristol where Ray has continued having chemo. Ray has had over 26 blood transfusions since he first came here.

“He has had to learn to walk and do small things for himself again. We have another four rounds of chemotherapy to go, which will end in May. We have been away from our other four children for a very long time now.”

Close friend Kathy Vaughan, who lives at Jurston Lane, Wellington, has been one of many who have been supporting the couple with sponsored walks. She said: “There are about a dozen of us, including children, who are raising money to help Bonnie and Richard during this difficult time. We’ve all chosen a colour, mine’s pink, to wear while walking.”

Others involved include Holly MacKenzie, Jodie Prouse, Rachel Ardran and Lisa Prouse. A GoFundMe Facebook page has also been set up.

Bonnie added: “I cannot thank them all enough. They are amazing. Doctors are telling us they are optimistic about Ray. If the cancer had not been in his liver he wouldn’t be with us today.”

Lou’s Sweet and Treats in High Street, Wellington, is also collecting cash donations.