Friends have rallied to help a young dad undergoing cancer treatment.

Ryan Glenny, who is known by his middle name Felix, was diagnosed with bowel cancer after complaining of stomach problems.

The 23-year-old was admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital last Sunday and after an emergency CT scan, had surgery the next day to remove a tumour.

Felix is still recovering in hospital and will have to endure a course of chemotherapy.

Just hours after his operation, his friend Ashley Clark set up an appeal to raise funds for Felix and his family. Felix lives with girlfriend Cola Weller and their two children Ralph, two, and 11-week-old Pearl, in High Street, Lower Stoke.

Ashley, 23, said: “He is going to be off work for some time so I wanted to raise money to help and to make sure his family don’t want for anything.

"They can use the money to help pay the bills and to buy Christmas presents for the children.

“When I first saw Felix in hospital after he came out of theatre, money was all he seemed to be worried about, so now hopefully I have taken that worry away.”

Within 24 hours of Ashley setting up the fundraising appeal, almost £2,000 was raised, with more than 100 people donating from as far away as Australia. The fund has now reached more than £3,000.

Cola said: “Felix and I can’t believe how much has been raised. It definitely shows how much Felix is liked. He is making good progress, but he has a long way to go yet.”

Ashley has lined up a series of fundraising events. On Sunday, the salon where Cola works, Headcase in Chatham, will be offering haircuts in exchange for donations and some of Felix’s friends hope to do a sponsored wax.

On Saturday, November 30, Ashley is planning a pram race through Strood, followed by a fundraising night at the Coach and Horses pub in London Road, Strood.

On Sunday, December 1, Felix’s friends are planning a five-a-side football tournament at Kicks Soccer Centre in Strood.

Ashley said: “I’m over the moon. The appeal has got so much support, not only from his friends but even people who have never met Felix but want to help.

“People keep saying what a good thing I’m doing, but I know he would do the same for me.

“Felix has settled down and he’s a real family man now. His two children and Cola mean the world to him.”

• To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/59nuts