A TEENAGER who spent his 16th birthday in hospital battling leukaemia has been bolstered by the support of the community.

Robert Saville was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) just over three months ago.

The diagnosis turned his and his family's world upside down but they have been given a huge boost after people rallied to help fundraise for Robert from Farnworth.

Volunteers, including dad Keith Saville, agreed to have their heads shaved at a fundraiser at Franny and Clydes, on Higher Market Street.

Keith, 48, a support worker for people with disabilities, said: "We thought at first he had a chest infection or stomach bug but it turned out to be leukaemia, we just didn't expect it. Things happened that fast, it is hard to grasp.

"I was still going to work, then to the hospital until eight or nine at night, going home, going to work, then back at the hospital.

"It's been difficult for Rob, he was always going out with friends, going places, and now he can't go out with them. You have to keep looking forward.We couldn't have done that without the support we've received."

Robert, of Howard Avenue, was only a couple weeks into his summer holiday when he fell in. After numerous visits to his GP, he was referred for a chest x-ray and blood tests and was admitted to Bolton Royal Hospital on August 12.

Within two days he was transferred to Manchester Children's Hospital and diagnosed with ALL, a cancer of the white blood cells.

Robert, a pupil at Kearsley Academy, spent three and a half weeks in hospital where he underwent chemotherapy but, soon after he was discharged, he had to go back after he developed liver problems.

He has been unable to attend school or hang out with friends and spent his 16th birthday on ward.

Treatment is expected to last three years and his family, mum Karen Wray and sister Rachael Smith, have been raising money towards converting a spare room into a space for him to spend time with friends and study.

Friends have rallied round to show their support, including Franny and Clydes owner Francesca Webb who organised the fundraiser with colleague Debra O'Connor.

As well as music and a raffle, six volunteers went 'Bald for Bob' and, along with donations from businesses and a fundraising page, has so far raised nearly £2,700.

Karen, 45, who works in customer services, has taken time off work to care for her son, had her long hair cut short on the day.

She said: "Robert's hair was long and thick and losing it was hard for him. Francesca offered to come into the hospital to shave it when it started to fall out, that was a very emotional day for everybody. We started off wanting to raise £1,000 but we've absolutely smashed it, which is fantastic. We've been overwhelmed.

"He has a really good prognosis and we are very hopeful he will come out of this in three years time and be fine."

Robert, said: "I can't explain it but it's really nice to see people doing stuff to help. It makes me feel really good."