Football fans showed their generosity by raising thousands of pounds to help a young boy in his bid to come out on top in his second battle with cancer.

Gravesend Grammar School pupil Jack Howard, 12, from Hartley, is a huge West Ham supporter and fellow Hammers donated in their droves thanks to collection buckets stationed outside the London Stadium before their Premier League clash with Southampton on Sunday.

Family and friends, under the banner of Jack’s Angels, carried the buckets around and a picture of Jack lit up the big screen inside the ground ahead of kick-off, alongside a link to the fundraising page.

Among those collecting was Helen Gawor, who has been campaigning to raise awareness of Jack’s illness on Twitter using the hashtag #HelpJack.

She said: “There was an overwhelmingly warm response from West Ham fans, many of whom already knew of Jack and the appeal. Many came over to ask about him, and wanted us to send on their good wishes.

“It was an emotional day and great to have members of Jack’s own team – Hartley de Sales – join us to support their teammate.”

Jack began potentially life-saving treatment in America this week after his family flew to Los Angeles.

He departed from Heathrow on Monday last week, with a free upgrade to first class, and had his first consultation meeting the following day at a cost of around £1,000.

Earlier this month doctors were unsure if he had days or weeks to live, but the family are hopeful that the pioneering treatment on America’s west coast will see him pull through.

More than £122,000 has been raised on a Crowdfunder page to support the former Our Lady of Hartley Primary School pupil, who has already beaten cancer once before.

He underwent gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2013, and also had his kidney removed. He went into remission in February 2014 but the cancer returned last December.

On Friday, fellow Gravesend Grammar students will be undertaking a 26-mile bike ride around Cyclopark.

Alex Neat, 12, came up with the idea, which will see him and a group of friends cycle 13 laps of the venue’s road circuit and has already raised £150. To donate, contact his mum Sharon at sharon.neat44@gmail.com.

On Saturday, old classmates of Jack’s parents, Nick and Zoe, have reunited for an 80s disco. There will also be a raffle with more than 50 prizes, including a signed Charlton shirt, family boat trips, cinema tickets and a golf day for four.

It takes place at the Ship and Lobster in Mark Lane, Gravesend, from 7.30pm and hopes up to £1,000 will be raised, all of which will go to Jack. All are welcome to attend.

And on Friday, October 14, people are invited to show their support at a community coffee morning at Nurstead Court in Meopham. It takes place from 9.30am until 12.30pm and will feature stalls and a raffle.

To donate to the main appeal, head to crowdfunder.co.uk/jack-howard.