AFTER months of tireless fund-raising work, illness and devastating set backs, Tynedale tot Kian Musgrove has made it to the USA to receive life-saving treatment.

At just four years old, Kian is in the midst of his second battle with childhood cancer neuroblastoma.

His only chance of survival is pioneering relapse therapy, only available overseas.

So over the last seven months, communities across the North-East and beyond have come together to raise more than £730,000 to pay for the treatment he so badly needs.

And on July 4, Kian and mum, Kat, began the long journey to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York.

Their flight from Newcastle to Newark airport was generously paid for by music mogul Simon Cowell who was touched by Kian’s story.

And Mr Cowell stepped in again when no space was available for Kian in hospital accommodation, paying for the critically ill youngster and mum to stay in a hotel.

Kian first fell ill when he was just 18 months old, with 27 tumours in his bones, lymph nodes and adrenal gland.

He was given a 50 per cent chance of survival, but battled through gruelling treatment to be given the all-clear in December, 2014.

To prevent relapse, Kian underwent treatment in Michigan, USA.

But in spite of this, in December 2015, doctors confirmed that the cancer had returned.

This trip will be the first of several for Kian over the next 18 months as he undergoes specialist relapse treatment to fight the 80 per cent chance of the neuroblastoma returning.

Before the treatment begins, Kian must undergo a number of tests, CT scans and MRI scans.

And the tot has already spent three days unwell in hospital with a high temperature.

Fortunately, he was discharged on Sunday and soon returned to his usual, smiling self to enjoy some much-needed fun in Central Park.

Mum Kat said: “He has a central line which could cause infection which could be life threatening.

“So if he has a temperature for any reason, he’s admitted straight away.

“We’ve only been here a week and he’s already been admitted once, so that’s a bit worrying as it isn’t cheap.

“It’s £50,000 a week to stay in the hospital, so his stay will cost quite a lot of money.”

For more information, or to donate to Kian’s treatment fund, visit: kapipal.com/projects/help-save-my-life-my-cancer-has-returned/

kathleen.moore@hexham-courant.co.uk