Six years after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Aaron Lindridge is celebrating his first Christmas since being given the all clear by doctors.

He was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma cancer in December 2011 and underwent gruelling specialist proton radiotherapy in the USA the following year.

The cancer affects fewer than 60 children in the UK each year and the cause remains unknown.

KentOnline's sister paper the Gravesend Messenger highlighted his plight with the campaign Help Aaron Smile.

Generous readers raised an amazing £9,000 in less than two months, enabling the Lindridge family – mum Tracy, dad Mark and sister Emily – to accompany Aaron, then three, to Oklahoma for his treatment.

In September of that year Aaron, of Vanessa Walk, Riverview Park, Gravesend, went into remission and this year he and friends had a party to celebrate five years clear of the disease.

The milestone means the cancer cannot come back but there is a small chance he could be affected by a secondary form.

Now eight, Arsenal fan Aaron enjoys playing in goal for Northfleet Eagles and attends Riverview Junior School.

And our pictures show just what a difference five years have made.

Mrs Lindridge, 40, said: “He’s able to do pretty much everything other boys his age can.

“He loves going to Cubs and got man of the match at the weekend after making some wicked saves.”

The intensive treatment did take its toll and Aaron has been left with bowel, bladder and mobility issues which will stay with him for life.

His mum added: “His legs and hips do get tired if he runs around a lot, due to the treatment which left him with pelvic radiation disease.

“To mark the end of his remission cycle all his teammates’ parents chipped in and got us an Emirates stadium tour.

“Mascot Gunnersaurus the dinosaur came out and gave him a goody bag.

“I’d like to thank all those people who helped us get to America back in 2012 and also Clare Knowels who organised lots of events for Aaron.”