A father who is battling an aggressive cancer has enjoyed a day out with his family for the first time in months.

Readers of The Argus helped raise money for Neil Cooper, 33, to have experimental chemotherapy to tackle his rare illness.

He finished his last round of treatment 13 days ago and is taking a trial chemotherapy drug every day.

Last week Mr Cooper was able to enjoy a day out with his wife and baby daughter for the first time.

He spent a day in Brighton with Wendy, 32, and their daughter Caitlin, aged six months old.

Mr Cooper's brother Warren said: "He's probably had the best week physically that he's had in a long time.

"He went out on the bus and went into town. He hasn't really got out of the house like that since January."

Mr Cooper, from Portslade, has cancer affecting his lungs and kidneys. At the beginning of the year he was given just two months to live.

Thanks to an appeal set up by his friends and family and supported by The Argus Appeal, he has been able to have expensive chemotherapy not available on the NHS.

It is hoped the treatment will help prolong his life.

Warren said getting out into Brighton to do some shopping and walk around had boosted his brother's spirits.

He added: "It brings some normality back, doing normal things that he hasn't been able to do for a long time. We'd like to think it is to do with the treatment."

A crucial scan on June 13 will reveal whether the cancer is in remission. If it is, Mr Cooper will be given another round of the chemotherapy, which costs £10,000.

Warren said: "We don't really know how he's doing until he has that scan. The scan could show the treatment is shrinking the tumours and/or it has stabilised things. If that is the case, there are other drugs which can be added."

Following Neil's day out in Brighton, Warren said the family were hoping Neil would be able to enjoy the summer weather with a walk along the seafront.

There has been incredible support from friends, family, colleagues and people touched by Mr Cooper's story. So far supporters of the Neil Cooper fund have raised £35,000.

Organisations that have given money include Mr Cooper's employer Legal and General and The Holmbush Centre at Shoreham. The new Passing It On charity football league, which is donating money to the fund, will play its first game on Monday.

To make a donation to the fund, call Argus Appeal coordinator Elsa Gillio on 01273 544465 or 07796 318402.

Cheques can be sent to The Neil Cooper Appeal, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Brighton, BN1 8AR.