A Leicestershire couple say they are desperate for help to keep their small farm running so they can meet the challenge of caring for their young son while he fights a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Oliver and Charlotte Johnson are still coming to terms with the recent diagnosis of three-year-old Gabriel's leukaemia and the news that he faces more than two years of gruelling chemotherapy.

The couple, who have three other children aged one, six and nine, run an organic sheep and cattle farm a few miles north of Loughborough. Charlotte, 32, has had to give up working on the farm in order to care for Gabriel full-time, overseeing his frequent trips to hospital.

Oliver, 43, said: "Gabriel's treatment is well underway now. It's been eight or nine weeks now since it started. We have to see where it will take us. It's all about tests and milestones at the moment."

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Gabriel became unwell a few months ago, so Oliver and Charlotte took him to see the family GP. After several inconclusive visits, his condition worsened and they took him to A&E. Doctors discovered the leukaemia and he was admitted immediately, undergoing his first treatment within hours.

"In the end a simple blood test told us what it was," Oliver said. "You expect your children to go through all kinds of childhood illnesses, but nothing can prepare you for this.

"Charlotte and I run the farm together but we admit we are really struggling now. It's difficult already but it will be lambing season soon, so we'll really need help then."

They have launched an appeal on the GoFundMe site for donations which will help them cover the cost of bringing in an extra pair of hands to help them keep up with the daily challenge of running the farm. Search GoFundMe for Gabriel's cancer battle.

The couple is aiming to raise £22,000. So far, they've raised approximately £7,500, with anyone who can help urged to come forward and support them.

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