WATCHET youngster Harvey Henderson's fifth birthday celebrations were marred by devastating news - confirmation that he was suffering from leukaemia.

But ten months on, a successful fundraising initiative is helping to ensure his Christmas hits a happier note.

The Watchet Mothers' Club is donating all its profits from its annual Christmas fair last Thursday - £880 - to buy Harvey a new bed.

And the amount raised so exceeded expectations that big sister Lily will get the same.

Harvey was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia - luckily the most common type with the best survival rate - in February.

He spent a month receiving intensive treatment at the Bristol Royal Children's Hospital and in Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital.

And although he was well enough to return to school - Knights Templar First - in September, he faces monthly treatments of chemotherapy and steroids for the next two years.

"The first six or seven months after Harvey was diagnosed were hell and he was very poorly," said his mum Abby Allen.

"Being told what was wrong with him was really scary but fortunately the type of leukaemia he has is one of the most curable."

Harvey's initial treatment was gruelling, leaving him having to learn to walk again.

Abby was forced to give up her job as a nursery assistant at Watchet's Little Vikings Centre and dad Neil Henderson, a self-employed builder specialising in conservation work, had to take time off.

Life has also been tough for 11-year-old Lily.

"It's been a real struggle but things are a bit more settled now," said Abby.

"Although Harvey has to have treatment every four weeks, he is feeling a lot better and we are beginning to get our life back to normal."

As Harvey does not need any medical aids or equipment the money raised by the Watchet Mothers' Club will pay for a new bed.

"His room is very small so we have found a bed that is high enough off the ground so he will have some play room underneath it - in fact Harvey has chosen it.

"And because the event raised so much, they asked us to use some of the money to get something for Lily - so she's having a new bed as well.

"We're so grateful to the club members and the local community who supported their fundraising - the amount raised is just incredible and it's wonderful to have so much support from local people."

Watchet Mothers' Club spokesman Anne Reeder said the fair had been a great success and members were thrilled with the amount raised.

"It's absolutely amazing," she said.

"Harvey's parents have had to take time off work to care for him and to travel to hospital, which has put a big financial and emotional strain on the whole family - it's brilliant to be able to help them."