A FATHER desperately needs lifesaving cancer treatment so that he can see his little daughter grow up.

James Dean, from Fiveways in Brighton was diagnosed with the disease in the last month aged just 36, only days after celebrating his daughter’s first birthday.

However, a campaign started by James’ friends and family has received a flood of donations from well-wishers and friends. But the campaign is still only one fifth of the way to reaching its £50k target, the total needed to obtain potentially life-saving surgery for James not available via the NHS.

Fundraiser Charlotte Dalglish said: “Our dear friend, Sophie’s partner and Poppy’s wonderful daddy James, JR to many, has devastatingly been diagnosed with late stage lung cancer.

“It has come as a terrible shock to this gorgeous young family we all love so much.

“We are determined that James get the best care possible.

“We are fundraising to help with medical bills and to support James, Sophie and Poppy through the tough months ahead.

“Any support you can give is hugely appreciated and will enable them to battle this cruel disease and enjoy time together as a family.”

At the time of writing, the gofundme page has received 210 donations from supporters totalling more than £11,000 in under two weeks.

Many of those left messages of support for the family.

In an update posted on the page on Monday, a campaign organiser wrote: “Thank you to everyone who has donated, James has been overwhelmed by the love and support he has received.”

The latest statement revealed that James had received consultation at the Royal Marsden Lung Unit last week and was now under their care.

It also said his family was seeking a DNA profile of the tumour to ascertain the best treatment options possible, after which they would be able to find a therapy either here in the UK or abroad.

Steve Adams, a friend who grew up with James in Winchester, said: “I only found out last Friday, to hear the news was absolutely flooring.

“I’ve known him since I was 16, we were good friends back in Winchester.

“There was a big group of us who used to drink in the same pub, we went to lots of festivals together.

“It’s a heartwarming seeing how many old friends from the parties and festivals we went to have got back in touch to help out.

“James really is the soul of the party, he’s just got a magnetic personality.”

“We really want to keep the momentum going and reach the huge sum of £50,000 which is what he will need for treatment.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation can find the campaign online at www.gofundme.com/puc48-tbc.