AN APPEAL to raise £250,000 to send a poorly four-year-old boy for treatment in the US has gone from Hoddlesden to the United Arab Emirates.

Children and staff at The English College, in Dubai, have raised more than £1,700 for Sam Shaw’s immunotherapy treatment, in Philadelphia, after being touched by his story.

More than 600 students, comprising some 60 nationalities, held a non-uniform day, raising 9,835 United Arab Emirates dirham, which converts to £1,705.12, according to yesterday’s exchange rates.

Deputy headteacher and ex-Darrener Mike Vizzard, who spent many years in the Whitehall area, still has a house in Lower Darwen and heard about the appeal during conversations with his son, Martin.

He said the school had been looking for a cause to support, and the Sam Shaw Appeal fitted the bill perfectly.

He said: “Sam’s condition is close to us as a family, and one of my colleagues in the drama department had a young nephew recover from a brain tumour 12 months ago and things are progressing well “Sam’s story has gone international and I hope this will encourage others around the world.”

As well as raising the cash, students at the British independent school sent messages of support, and designed posters, which have been sent to the family in Glencoe Avenue.

Year 10 student at the school Tim Hughes said: “Keep fighting, you little firefighter.

“You will pull through very soon.

“Everybody is behind you all the way. Stay strong buddy.”

Another year 10 pupil, Mark Howes, said: “You’re my hero Sam, get better soon buddy.”

Gavin Marpole echoed the messages of support.

He said: “All of our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family Sam.

“Stay strong and everything will be okay in the end.”

Christian Mercer, 15, said: “I hope Sam gets the help he needs, and we will support him the whole way through.”

Sam’s parents Christine and Carl have now raised more than £150,000 of what is needed to take the neuroblastoma sufferer to the US.

Mrs Shaw said: “I would like to thank the students at The English College for their kind donations.

“It is remarkable to think that Sam’s story has gone so far around the world and touched so many hearts.”