Harry Parkes has been battling a brain tumour since he was 14 months old, but family friends are taking the fight into the ring to raise money for him.

Now seven, he was diagnosed with a rare and fast-growing tumour, known as a posterior fossa ependymoma, after becoming ill in 2009.

His parents, Neal Parkes, 34, and Amanda Cobb, 29, knew something was wrong when he starting vomiting every morning and evening, and then stopped walking and talking.

After various trips to the doctors and being told it was just a virus, a CT scan eventually showed there was a tumour the size of a tennis ball on Harry’s brain stem.

He has had various treatments, including proton radiotherapy in America, as well as four brain operations, but after being given the all-clear every time, the tumour has always grown back.

Surgeons are wary about operating for a fifth time so for now he his having chemotherapy which is keeping the cancer stable.

Mr Parkes, from Borstal, said: “It’s difficult for him as he’s not able to walk properly, and he’s a bit off balance, but he wants to learn and play and kick a ball around with the other children.

“I call him my little legend - he’s always happy and doesn’t moan about anything. He remains positive and nothing fazes him.”

Harry, who was nominated for a Pride in Medway Award when he was three, started going back to school at Wouldham All Saints Primary School last year.

His godfathers and other family friends now want to raise money to help the family financially and treat Harry, and his three-year-old sister, Hollie, to a holiday. His parents both gave up work to care for Harry.

Mr Parkes said: “We didn’t want to do fundraising but a few of our friends said they wanted to help so we don’t have to worry about petrol money to get to hospitals and if he needs other treatments in the future.

“We’re stunned how many people want to do a bit for Harry.”

They have been training with Medway Boxing Academy and will take part in a boxing tournament at Casino Rooms, Rochester, on Sunday. Doors open 4pm. Tickets for the boxing match start at £25 and can be purchased from 07711 601219.