Thanks to your donations seriously ill Jacob Rafferty will be able to start his new life in Ireland and he's gained enough strength to create a short thank you video.

Fifteen-year-old Jake has suffered from cancerous spinal and brain tumours and their life threatening complications since 2012.

The Rafferty family- including father Adrian, mother Emma, and siblings Jess, 14, Lizze, 12, Oliver, 10 and George, seven - sold their home in Britannia Close, Halling to head for the quaint town of Wexford in Ireland.

It was hoped the slower pace would improve the family's quality of life.

Unfortunately, Jacob's condition seriously deteriorated a few weeks ago.

Father Adrian Rafferty said: "We were convinced he wouldn't make it through the night but against all the odds Jake's started to perk up a bit."

Doctors said the only way he could safely travel to Ireland was by private air ambulance, costing £7,000.

The Rafferty's were stuck, without enough cash to fund the flight and their Halling home sold they had to move into Demelza House, in Sittingbourne for Jacob to receive palliative care.

In last week's Messenger the Rafferty's appealed for donations to get Jacob over to Ireland.

Mr Rafferty said: "It's amazing, we're really pleased, in those few days received more than £3,000.

"I want to say a massive thank you to all the people who have donated who have never met us too, they've made an enormous difference.

"The contracts have been signed, we've got the keys and hopefully we'll be moving in the next week or two.

"I'm going to drive down with all the kids and pets, then we'll get everything out of storage and set up."

The family had already received £900 from an anonymous charity and £5,000 from Lucy Air Ambulance for Children, so £1,100 will go on the flight.

Mr Rafferty plans to use the remaining cash to pay for Jacob's supplements, which he is dependent on.

But the good news does not stop there, as the donations rolled in, Jacob managed to open his eyes, smile and film a short clip to say thanks for the donations.

Mr Rafferty added: "I know it's only a few words but it is a really big step for Jake, he's definitely on the mend."

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