Nine-year-old Tony Fitzpatrick, from Magherafelt, was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme earlier this year after having surgery.

The cancer is extremely rare in children and exceptionally difficult to treat.

On Saturday alone more than £100,000 was raised, and it has now topped £163,000 of a £250,000 target.

It is hoped donations will enable him to access alternative treatments and improve his quality of life.

The fundraiser describes Tony as 'kind, compassionate, witty and truly awesome'.

"Tony is an inspiration to us all. He has faced simultaneous chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments after his brain surgery and smiled through it all,” it said.

"Despite these gruelling treatments, this wee warrior has tried his best to go to school at Holy Family Primary Magherafelt, where he loves to learn and play with his friends.

"Now with a new school year starting, instead of the excitement of what is to come, Tony has faced more devastating news that despite intense treatment, the MRI scans are showing it hasn't worked.

"We need desperately to find alternate treatments to help alleviate symptoms and slow down this awful disease. We will be holding various fundraisers to fund alternative treatments to give Tony a better quality and prolonged life expectancy.”

Tony is also a keen footballer with Moyola Park AFC, and is a huge Liverpool supporter. His family have a long-standing connection with the An Chomhdháil Irish dancing community.

“Tony’s parents, Mary (nee Mooney) and Darren Fitzpatrick have been a pillar of strength for Tony throughout his cancer journey, where they have had to take sabbaticals from their work to care for Tony,” said the statement.

"They have worked hard to keep family life as normal as possible for Tony and his two sisters, as they navigate this Goliath fight with an aggressive brain tumour. They are trying to make every second of everyday count and to do everything to help Tony.

"Tony has the biggest heart and greatest laugh of anyone we know. He sets an example for all of us in how to live life to the fullest every day. Please help Tony fight his cancer and prolong his life by donating and sharing this GoFundMe Page.

"We thank you for anything that you can afford to donate and know that there is no amount too small in helping with this battle; we appreciate it all.

“Money that is not used for Tony’s treatment will be donated to a brain cancer charity. This will help fund vital research into this illness in hope of finding a cure for this cruel illness.”