The family of a 16-year-old from Croydon diagnosed with an acute form of Leukaemia are appealing for support in his fight against the disease.

Ten days ago on September 14 (his birthday), Croydon's Ben Harvey was told he had Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, a cancer of white blood cells that requires immediate treatment.

To help support him as he undergoes chemotherapy and other treatments at hospital, Ben's family by Bethany started a fundraiser that has already attracted over 100 donors and raised over £1,000.

"To put towards a special 16th birthday present surprise for Ben for when he is up and running again and more importantly to financially support his family who have had to put their lives on hold so suddenly for the foreseeable future including coming out of work..." a statement written by Bethany on the fundraising page reads.

"His Mum Laura and Dad Tommy will be constantly by his bed side at the hospital whilst Ben receives an intense course of treatment which has already begun," it continues.

"On top of this they are also caring for their three other beautiful children at home so one can only imagine the financial stress and pressure they will be piled with, which they simply could do without and it would help enormously to take this worry away from them.

"We ask you to please give whatever you can, every little helps and will go such a long way."

Click here to find out more about Ben's fight with Leukaemia and donate to his fundraiser.