An appeal for help from a Co Tyrone farming family for their son who is fighting for his life after receiving a cancer diagnosis has been reinforced by the rural community.

Spreading the word on social media about the JustGiving appeal, Farm Tyres NI wrote: ‘Aaron’s dad, Mark Russell, is a close friend of mine and a farmer, and as you know, in the farming community we all stick together in tough times.

‘Aaron was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in September and has been in Belfast City Hospital receiving treatment.

‘The family live in Ardstraw, Co. Tyrone, which means they are a long distance from home while going through all of this.

placeholder image — Just Giving appeal for Aaron

‘The family are facing an extremely difficult and trying time, and I wanted to share this to help support them in any small way.

‘Any support or shares would be very much appreciated’.

The JustGiving appeal was started by Aaron’s aunt – Esther Patterson.

On the appeal, Esther says: ‘My nephew Aaron was diagnosed with Acute Lympoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in September and has been in Belfast City Hospital since then, receiving treatment.

‘He lives 80 miles away in Ardstraw, Co:Tyrone, so his mum & family have been making use of the amazing ‘Amy’s House’, owned by Young Lives vs Cancer.

‘Amy’s House has been like a home from home and such a blessing at this very difficult time’.

Last year Esther carried out the “12 dips of Christmas” starting on Aaron’s 17th birthday, 24th November, through to the end of December.

She asked people to ‘donate to this amazing charity, which has been so supportive and helpful to Aaron and his family’.

Young Lives vs Cancer is a charity that helps children, young people and their families across the UK understand and cope with the emotional, practical and financial burdens that come with a cancer diagnosis.

So far the JustGiving appeal has raised £10,571.

The initial target for the appeal was £5,000.