Rupertfest: Hundreds turn out to do their bit for Bridgnorth boy, 6 - with pictures

Rupert Beckett, six, from Bridgnorth, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was just two-and-a-half years old.

After receiving treatment on the NHS, his parents Edward and Sarah were told last year there was nothing more that could be done for their son.

Since February, the family along with friends and relatives have been raising money towards the £750,000 they need to send Rupert for treatment in Michigan, USA.

Through various events £165,000 has been raised so far and that total was helped significantly by a fun-filled day at Bridgnorth Rugby Club.

Nearly 1,000 people turned out, enjoying various activities such as play your cards right, a bouncy castle assault course and a climbing wall.

Rupert needs the treatment as soon as possible, as his condition could attack his organs at any time.

A parent at Rupert's school, Kelly Woodcock organised the Bridgnorth walk which raised £30,000 for the cause, and she was behind Rupertfest.

His auntie, Liz Beckett said the large amount raised already gives them hope they can reach the total and they will keep fighting until they get there.

She said: "We just have to keep fighting and raising money, because he needs this treatment as soon as possible.

"He really is a little fighter, he is an aggressive little boy and that is why it is the campaign is called Rupert's Revenge, as this is his revenge against cancer.

"When he was two and a half he didn't know what was happening, so his mum told him there was a crocodile in his stomach he had to fight. It was a tumour but he thinks it is a Crocodile, and she told him that the hickman line to his heart is a fishing line.

"It helps him to understand what goes on. Apart from his condition he is a fit little lad, and he keeps fighting."

Rupert suffers with the same condition as Bradley Lowrey, the Sunderland supporter who died earlier this month after a long battle.

It hits only 100 children a year in the UK.

Rupert wasn't at the event himself on Sunday because he has a low immune system, however other family members were there including Harry, who paid tribute to his young brother.

He said: "He is a feisty little person and it is really nice to see so many people helping him.

"He is a fighter and keeps on fighting."

The festival could become an annual occurrence however Liz is hoping the money needed to sent Rupert across the Atlantic is raised before next year.

If that happens, they will keep raising money for children like Rupert who suffer with the rare condition.

Liz added: "We are continuing to raise, we've got events all summer and will be at various shows.

"The money is in a trust now, so if we have money that we don't need for Rupert it can go towards other youngsters suffering the same as he is."

The fundraisers have taken place in an around Bridgnorth, and Liz has hailed the town's spirit and how the townspeople have taken Rupert too their hearts.

She said: "For a town like this to raise that much money in a short space of time is amazing.

"There are some special people around here, they've been fantastic."