Close to £200,000 has been raised to help a boy beat cancer for the second time – and the incredible efforts have been given the thumbs-up by the lad himself.

Twelve-year-old Jack Howard, of Hartley, recorded a message from his bed in Los Angeles thanking those who have raised money for treatment that could save his life.

Proudly wearing his beloved West Ham shirt in the short clip, the Gravesend Grammar School youngster said: “I would like to say a big thank you for all the support I have had, especially from my friends, family, the West Ham supporters and the club. Thanks.”

The smile and thumbs-up that followed will warm the hearts of well-wishers, trying meet a £250,000 fundraising goal.

Jack’s family had to pay £1,000 for his first consultation in the States, and the treatment and accommodation costs are huge.

Fundraising is still ongoing - a coffee morning at Nurstead Court in Meopham yesterday (Friday), helped boost the total.

A 12-team football tournament at Manor Field in Jack’s home village, with more than 140 players and hundreds more cheering them on also raised cash.

Gravesend Grammar School sixth formers took home the trophy – their team, dubbed the Tracksuit Mafia, won 4-3 on penalties after a closely fought final.

Organisers hoped to have raised more than £5,000.

Elsewhere, brother and sister Jack and Laura Robinson raised more than £300 with a cake sale at Gad’s Hill School, Higham.

Jack, 13, and Laura, 15, organised the sale with the help of classmates and teachers.

Headmaster David Craggs said: “We are always happy to help good causes in any way we can and, as always, our parents, friends and catering team were generous with their contributions.”

He said he was proud of Laura and Jack’s caring attitudes to helping their friend.