TV judge Simon Cowell has sent his support to brave cancer fighter Ruby Young.

Ruby has undergone 12 hours of surgery and lost a kidney in an effort to beat the cancer which has spread across her organs.

She turns three next week and is fighting for her life after being diagnosed with the aggressive cancer neuroblastoma.

After more than six months of chemotherapy, the youngster, who has captured the hearts of thousands of people across the country, was finally deemed ready for surgery.

Yesterday Cowell tweeted his 12 million followers to say: "Ruby is a little girl who has been through a lot. She is very brave. I hope you get well soon."

On Tuesday, Ruby had an operation to remove the tumour in her stomach.

But it was not straightforward. The cancer had separated and attached itself to her kidneys, liver, pancreas and spleen – making the procedure all the more risky.

She spent more than 12 hours in surgery and the surgeon operating was forced to take a break halfway through while Ruby was kept anaesthetised.

Ruby needs £500,000 for lifesaving treatment in America and currently the total is at £360,000.

To help, visit www.justgiving.com/RubyYoungJourney or text RLYJ88 and the amount you wish to give to 70070.