Hundreds of sky lanterns were released to raise awareness of a brave Hornchurch boy batttling a rare form of cancer.

Up to 100 people launched the lanterns and helped to raise �688 for Mitchelll Huth, 7 who has neuroblastoma at the Albion Bar in Rainham Road, Rainham on Saturday June 30.

Vicci Avery, who organised the event said: “It was fun and everyone enjoyed it.

“I organised the event because I wanted Mitchell’s family to see visually how many people were supporting them.”

Called one wish up and away, the event saw family and friends of the youngster lighting up the skies.

People living further afield in Ireland, Portugal and America also released the chinese lanterns at the same time.

Other highlights of the event including face painting, stalls selling cakes and children’s activities.

But Viccy said that the best part of the day was that Mitchell was able to attend.

She said: “The whole reason that I put on the event was to put a smile on Mitchell’s face and it was worth it, he was feeling better and was there to enjoy it.

“It wasn’t about raising money, but before I knew it I had lots of people getting on board.”

Viccy became involved in the appeal after taking part in a skydive earlier in the year to help to raise the money needed for his treatment.

She came up with the idea of releasing sky lanterns because she thought it would look nice.

She said: “I release lanterns when it’s my children’s birthdays and they always enjoy it and I thought it would be something that Mitchell would like.

“I started off doing a one off skydive for Mitchell, but after that I couldn’t walk away without doing anything else.”

Last month an arts and crafts day at North Street Hall, in Hornchurch raised �564 for Mitchell.

The money raised from both events 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.