SHOPPERS can support a local charity set up by the family and close friends of a young boy who has successfully battled a rare form of childhood cancer.

Theo’s Warriors supports young sufferers, their parents and relatives through their diagnosis and beyond

The charity was chosen as The Mall Blackburn’s charity of the year from more than 25 candidates to become this year’s beneficiary after management were touched by their story.

The inspiration behind the charity is eight-year-old Theo Power from Lower Darwen in Blackburn.

He was diagnosed with advanced neuroblastoma in 2015 but responded well to gruelling treatment and went into remission in December 2016.

His family and close friends raised more than £160,000 to take him to America to take part in medical trials to hopefully reduce the 80 per cent chance of the cancer returning.

He will complete his treatment this year and his family set up the charity to help others facing the same ordeal.

Janet Cottam, a trustee for Theo’s Warriors and close family friend, said: “We can give hope and advice from our first hand experiences and after everything we went through, if there is anything at all we can do to help people then we want to do it.

“We have a 24 hour helpline for parents to call. We can provide lots of other support including respite for the children and their families, toys, family days out and beanbags to help children who are in pain.

“Everyone has been so kind and helpful and we can’t wait to get cracking with fundraising events.”

Loraine Jones, General Manager at The Mall Blackburn, said: “The courage and strength shown by Theo and his family is so inspiring and we are looking forward to working very closely with them to raise awareness and funds.”

This week The Mall team presented its outgoing Charity of the Year, Cash for Kids, with a cheque for £3,000.