CASH is starting to roll in to help bring a young boy from Pakistan to Britain for life-saving treatment.

Little Owais Baloch's life is hanging in the balance as the youngster battles against a rare kidney illness.

Relatives in Blackburn have started a fund-raising campaign to raise cash to bring the 18-month-old from Karachi after doctors there said nothing more could be done.

His family are convinced British doctors can save his life and the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital has agreed to treat him privately if the thousands of pounds needed can be found. About £500 has already poured in to a special bank account since the Lancashire Evening Telegraph revealed the toddler's plight less than a week ago.

Owais's aunt Jasmin Matloob said most of the cash had come from big-hearted factory workers and taxi drivers.

She said: "We're still nowhere near the amount we need to bring him over, but it's nice that some people are thinking of him.

"We're currently in the process of making leaflets which we intend to leave in local shops which will give people details about how they can help."

Jasmin has been in touch with her family in Pakistan to let them know East Lancashire folk are helping out.

She said: "One of Owais's kidneys has completely gone now and the second is infected.

"But he's hanging on. It's almost as if he knows he still has a chance."

Jasmin can be contacted on 01254 728741 or at 119 Accrington Road.

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