An eight-year-old boy battling terminal cancer was able to strike off something on his bucket list thanks to the community rallying together.

Ty Rydqvisthas, from Sheerness, spent a "magical" weekend having a sleepover inside dinosaur themed tents and an igloo with his childhood friend.

The pair enjoyed a roar-some day of exploring the two Bell Tents and igloos at a barn in Upchurch, near Sittingbourne, which were kindly donated free of charge, as well as tucking into pizza and some waffles and ice cream from Ellinor's Ice Cream.

Ty was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was five, but his family made the heart-breaking decision to stop treatment after he relapsed and since then it's been their mission to make him as comfortable as possible.

With the help of Rainham-based charity My Shining Star, hundreds of people in the community joined forces to raise money for the Halfway House Primary School pupil and his parents Dave and Emma Bickerstaffe.

Charity founder Anita Marinelli said: "On Saturday my neighbour was kind enough to lend me her land in Upchurch with a beautiful barn that Ty could use for a sleepover with his friend Ruben, who he has known since nursery at three-years old.

"They haven’t seen eachother for a year due to the pandemic and Ty’s treatment for leukaemia.

"The charity have decided to support mum as best we can and help with Ty’s bucket list and we put out a plea on social media and have been absolutely inundated with offers from well wishers, including animal experience days, afternoon teas, gifts, so on.

"This weekend Ty and Ruben stayed in dinosaur themed tents and igloo free of charge and we've had even more wonderful suppliers that chipped in to offer their services."

The youngsters were accompanied by parents as they enjoyed the dino-themed night.

Anita added: "Both mum and Ty are very special to us at the charity and we want to try and carry on making memories for Ty for as long as he is able to.

"He had a lovely time and despite being in pain, he seemed to forget it all this weekend."

Mum Emma praised the charity for the work they've done to help the family create special memories.

She said: "Anita and her team at My Shining Star have worked so hard to make this weekend perfect.

"We have made memories that will last a lifetime for us and that is priceless. They have supported us from the moment we met and are so much than a charity, they are friends.

"I'm so thankful everyone else involved in making the weekend one to remember, from bunting and teddies to food and tents. It was absolutely wonderful."

More than £4,000 has been raised for Ty and his family.

If you would you like donate or support, visit My Shining Star Facebook page here.

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