As Falmouth toddler Theo Ward begins his proton beam therapy treatment in Florida this week, his supporters back home are continuing to raise money to support the family.

Theo was diagnosed with a rare from of cancer, Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, two days after his second birthday in May. The tumour behind Theo's left eye is inoperable so the youngster began chemotherapy in June and was then put forward for the pioneering proton beam therapy which is not available in this country.

After being accepted for treatment by a hospital in Florida, the NHS agreed to foot the £90,000 bill and the Ward family jetted off to America three weeks ago. Parents Lisa and James and big sister Evie-Mai have been helping Theo settle in and the family have managed to cram in some fun days out ahead of his treatment.

Lisa told the Packet: "It's going well here. We are adjusting to the humidity. Theo has had a CT scan and an MRI scan in preparation for the proton therapy. He had his three days of chemotherapy and he handled it beautifully, especially considering it's a different environment."

Theo began the proton therapy on Monday and this will continue five days a week for the next six weeks. This means the youngster will be nil-by-mouth every morning as the treatment involves a general anaesthetic each time.

"We are remaining both positive and hopeful," said Lisa, who lives at Goldenbank. "We miss everyone terribly but it's a wonderful place and everyone is lovely. We are so grateful for the work taking place at home to support us."

Among those helping is the children's Godmother, Diane Nicholls, of Penryn, who is organising an auction and raffle to be held at the St Michael's Hotel and Spa in Falmouth on October 9. She has received considerable support from local businesses and individuals who have donated items to be auctioned or used as raffle prizes.

These include a family pass for Newquay Zoo, vouchers from Cutting Edge, Hairsay and Hendra's, meals at Falmouth Golf Club and Fire Kitchen, yachting courses courtesy of Cornish Cruising and an hour's private reading and a healing session with medium Sue Barberry among many others.

The auction is to be held from 7pm until midnight on the 9th and there will be a disco and bar. Tickets cost £10, and include a pasty, raffle ticket with half the money going to support Theo's family. Anyone who would like to donate further prizes or lots, or buy a ticket, should email theoward30@gmail.com or dianenicholls01@aol.com.