A MYSTERY donation of £1,000 has left the fundraising family of a young boy battling eye cancer stunned and delighted.

James Morley-Smith, of Coningsby Road, High Wycombe, is running the London Marathon to raise money for The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, after his son, Fintan, was diagnosed with a rare condition called retinoblastoma.at the age of four months.

The donors said they saw Fintan's story in last week's Bucks Free Press, and decided to make the massive pledge.

Now 19-months-old, Fintan has coped with gruelling courses of chemotherapy, cryotherapy and radiotherapy.

The latest tests look hopeful for the brave youngster, and Mr Morley-Smith said: " We were told the 'suspicious' tumours in his eyes are no longer 'suspicious', and some of the smaller tumours are no longer visible."

It is now eight weeks until Fintan's next check-up - the longest period between hospital visits since his first diagnosis.

But Mr Morley Smith now wants to raise money for the charity which offered his family so much support, and also boost awareness of the condition.

He said both he and wife Fiona were amazed at the amount of money left: “We were shocked and touched. We were lost for words at the generosity of everyone but especially a donation like that. We'd like to say thank you to them, as I can't do it personally.

“That enormous donation was just phenomenal. We couldn't believe it.”

The amount was left on Mr Morley-Smith's Just Giving website by donors named 'Simon, Sandra, Emily and Michael', along with a message that said: “Saw the article in the Bucks Free Press. We wish Fintan and the family all the best. Great charity and a magnificent effort on your part James.”

No email address was left for Mr Morley-Smith to make a personal thank-you.

Around one child a week is diagnosed with retinoblastoma. The condition is very treatable, but the longer it goes unnoticed, the greater the risk of eyesight loss.

To sponsor Mr Morley-Smith on his marathon run, go to www.justgiving.com/jamesmorleysmith For more information on retinoblastoma, go to www.chect.org.uk, email info@chect.org.uk, or call 020 7377 5578.