A NEWPORT toddler who spent the last five weeks undergoing pioneering cancer treatment celebrates his second birthday today.

Two-year old Finley Ellis-Hall may look fighting fit, but the brave youngster only returned from five weeks of gruelling radiotherapy in London this weekend.

Finley has neuroblastoma, a condition which cause the violent spread of tumours and lesions across the body.

The deadly condition has already robbed Finley of his sight.

An initial 80-day bout of chemotherapy failed to control the disease and meant the youngster lost his hair.

As a last resort, his parents Mark and Karen Ellis-Hall took Finley to London where doctors carried out this pioneering treatment.

Mr and Mrs Ellis-Hall maintained a bedside vigil throughout his treatment, rejecting staying in a hotel or flat and instead sharing a single bed at the hospital.

Now they must wait for results to find out whether the radiotherapy was a success.

The family returns to London next month for a scan to determine whether the cancer was killed off by the treatment.

"We've got our fingers crossed," said Karen, 31.

If the treatment does prove successful, the family plans to raise the £53,000 they need to pay for a pioneering operation in either the USA or China for nerve regeneration to help Finley regain his sight.

Whilst the Ellis-Halls were away in London many fundraising activities were held to help fund the treatment, including a sponsored walk and cricket match.

Generous Gwent donors have come forward and helped the family meet around a third of their fundraising target.

Finley's dad Mark thanked everyone who helped.

"We've got around £17,000 now, so we're well on the way," he said.

"Karen and I just want to give a massive thank-you to everyone who has helped."

Although Finley is unable to be around other children, his family will be doing all they can to give him a special birthday today.

If you can help the Ellis-Halls raise money call Mark on 07966553282.