THE parents of a four-year-old neuroblastoma sufferer spoke of their relief after surgeons removed his tumour.

Sam Shaw yesterday had an operation to have the growth removed from his adrenal gland.

Secondary tumours had already been killed off by chemotherapy.

Sam’s parents, Christine and Carl, of Glencoe Avenue, Hoddlesden, have launched an appeal to raise £250,000 to send the toddler for immunotherapy in the US.

The treatment would improve his chance of survival by 20 per cent.

In a statement on Facebook, Mr and Mrs Shaw said: “Our brave little soldier has undergone surgery to remove his tumour. The three sugeons say that the operation went very well and they think they have managed to remove the whole of the tumour.

“We are so relieved, but have to wait now for him to wake up and be transferred to the High Dependency Unit before we can see him. He will be on a morphine infusion for a few days to control the pain but we are sure he will be back to his chatty little self before too long.

“Thank you to everyone once again for your positive thoughts and prayers and messages of support and encouragement.”

The Sam Shaw Appeal had yesterday surpassed the £190,000 mark.

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/samshawappeal