A charity barn dance helped to raise more than �1,000 for a brave Hornchurch boy battling a rare form of cancer.

About 250 people attended the event at the Upminster Equestrian Centre in Harwood Hall Lane, Upminster on Saturday July 21 dressed in cowboy and western outfits for Mitchell Huth, 7, who has neuroblastoma.

The barn dance is an annual event that fundraises for different charities.

Organiser Pat Murphy said: “We do it every year but we have never done it for this charity before.”

Pat is a friend of professional boxer Kevin Mitchell, the uncle of Mitchell Huth who helped him to come to the decision of doing the fundraiser for Mitchell Huth.

He said: “Kevin mentioned that Mitchell needed to go to Mexico. He has already been now but he will need more treatment as the time goes on.”

The evening was filled with entertainment including music from a five piece country band and thrills from the rodeo bull.

A barbeque and hogroast provided food for the guests.

Pat said: “Everyone had a great time. Everyone talks about it for another year. They can’t wait for next year.”

He added: “Thanks to the people that turned up and all their generous donations.”

All the money raised from the event is set to go to Mitchell’s appeal so that he can continue to receive experimental photodynamic therapy treatment, which he recently underwent in Mexico.

A fun day is also set to take place for the youngster on Saturday August 11 from 12pm to 5pm at the Brenda Blakemore Community Hall in Davis Close, Rainham.

For more information about Mitchell visit www.mitchellhuth.co.uk.