A WENVOE boy who is suffering with leukaemia has urged people across Wales to donate clothes to help beat children's cancers.

James Shepherd, from Wenvoe, is supporting Give Up Clothes for Good - a partnership between TK Maxx and Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens - where people are encouraged to drop off clothing and accessories at TK Maxx stores.

Each bag of donated items, which will be sold in Cancer Research UK shops, will be transformed into vital funds for research into cures and kinder treatments for cancers affecting children, teens and young adults.

Joanne Shepherd, James' mother, praised Cancer Research UK's with helping her son.

She said: “When we were told James had leukaemia in January last year, we were terrified that we were going to lose him. But he is such a little fighter.

"He coped with months of treatment with unbelievable bravery, strength and resilience - despite all the things he was missing out on while he was ill.

"We’re so grateful for the treatment that saved his life. Success stories like ours would not be possible without Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work, which in turn relies on everyone who raises crucial funds.”

Christian Shepherd, James' father, added: "James was only five and had been unwell for a while, but we put it down to the time of year and we had taken him to the doctor a couple of times.

"I was shopping one day with James and he fell asleep and I knew something wasn’t right. After taking him straight to the GP, she immediately sent us to the hospital.

"It was just absolutely devastating news for us as a family, but we have been overwhelmed by the support that we’ve received from family and friends."

Since its launch in 2004, a staggering £25.5 million has been raised for Cancer Research UK.

For more information on how to support Give Up Clothes for Good and Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens, visit cruk.org/kidsandteens.