The mum of a youngster who has battled cancer is celebrating after a clothing chain agreed to raise funds for him.

Since June last year, our readers have been giving money towards the £150,000 target for Oliver Smith.

He has the childhood cancer neuroblastoma and his family are trying to raise the cash to pay for treatment he could need in Germany if his condition worsens.

The appeal has been given a helping hand by New Look after 22 branches in the region agreed to raise money for the cause over the next year – including the one in Sheerness High Street.

This means that there will be collection tins in the stores and staff will be doing their own fundraising as well. Manager at the Maidstone shop Jade Morley, who lives on the Island, put the charity forward after hearing about the appeal.

Oliver’s mum Natalie, of Coral Road, Minster, believes their help will make a big difference.

She said: “It is fantastic because coming up to Christmas Oliver’s appeal goes quiet a bit, but now they are doing it for the whole year.”

Oliver turned four in September and is in his first year of school at Halfway Houses Primary.

Natalie said he is having a wonderful time despite his hearing and sight problems, which are a result of tumours.

She said: “He loves school to be honest. I think he’s just glad to be away from me. He’s spent so much time with me over the years he’s just happy to be with the other children.

“He has had a few accidents at play times and lunchtimes because he’s trying to keep up with everyone else. He loves PE and he loves painting and making things. And he loves Wednesdays because it’s a roast.”

Islanders have now raised more than £85,000 for the Times Guardian-backed Oliver Smith Appeal.