THE family of a two-year-old boy who is being treated for leukaemia has been overwhelmed by the community spirit shown in their time of need.

Seb Lane was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia two weeks after his second birthday in May, and his family who live in Overton have been “touched” by the village’s support, including a charity football match organised to raise funds for his recovery.

When Danny Smith from Overton Football Club heard of the diagnosis, he decided to organise the event to help Seb and his family, raising £500 from the match.

Seb’s family decided to donate half of the money to Piam Brown ward at Southampton General Hospital where the youngster goes for some of his treatment.

Mum Teri Atkin said: “We wanted to give something back to the ward, they did it for us but they also did it for the ward.

“The support was amazing, we can’t do it without them.

“Everybody has just helped where they can like the school run, offering to go shopping, anything they can do to help.

“The money is going towards bills; Steve [Seb’s dad] has broken his knee and my wages don’t cover the rent. Our daughter also has kidney failure so everything is just a knock-on effect.”

Seb’s treatment is set to continue for three-and-a-half years and Teri says Piam Brown is where he is happy on his hospital visits - waving at everyone and helping with observations.

Friend Amanda Owen also set up a fundraising page as another way to help while one generous individual has decided to run a marathon in aid of both Seb and his sister Lucy with their illnesses, and the Piam Brown ward.

Amanda added: “They have taken a hit on salary and added expenditure, I said let’s try and see if people are willing to help and people have been so generous. Everything is so gratefully received and Teri and Steve have both shed a tear because of being so touched.

“It is just amazing you get word of mouth in the village, but people take it upon themselves and probably never even really knew them.”