A BRAVE boy with a rare form of cancer has had a boost from his favourite football team as he fundraises towards his treatment in America.

Kiegan Wilcox, aged 12, was visited by former Bolton Wanderers player Tony Kelly and Academy graduate Josh Vela at Manchester Children's Hospital where he is currently receiving chemotherapy for Nasopharyngeal carsinoma.

The Whites legend, along with John McGinlay, will be joining the youngster's friends and members of his family for a football game on February 8 to help raise money towards his trip to Florida for specialist treatment, which is not available in England.

He started chemotherapy at the hospital on December 29, which he will finish at the end of February, before travelling to the University of Florida's proton therapy institute to begin radiotherapy.

The NHS has funded for Kiegan and one of his parents, Nina Fallon and Baz Wilcox, to fly over - so the family are hoping to raise money to pay for the other to join them too.

Mum-of-three Ms Fallon, of Hall i'th' Wood, said: "I am so grateful to the club, especially Tony Kelly, for their support. Kiegan is a big Bolton Wanderers fan and he was thrilled when he came to visit.

"We are very grateful that the NHS has funded Kiegan and one of us to go to America, but we would both like to be there with him so that's why we're arranging the football game."

The Thornleigh Salesian College pupil was diagnosed with the disease just before Christmas — which starts at the back of the nose, working its way through the glands into the neck and eventually spreading into the lungs.

Ms Fallon said: "Kiegan has remained his usual bubbly, laid back self since the diagnosis and hasn't complained once. He is so brave.

"We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us and donated money to the cause. Once we have paid for the trip, any money left over will be given to teenage cancer charity Clic Sergeant."

For more information on Kiegan's condition and to donate to the cause, visit gofundme.com/jip9q4.