HEREFORDSHIRE toddler Nick Davies has put on a brave face over the cancer treatment he has received for half his infant life.

The two-year-old from Canon Pyon is one of several youngsters receiving cancer care at Hereford County Hospital and is due to under go his ninth and final session of chemotherapy next month.

And the happy little boy has plenty of reasons to smile thanks to a loving circle of family and friends, including 12-year-old Anna Oliver from Kings Pyon.

The Hereford Cathedral schoolgirl raised £1,800 with a big fundraising swim she organised at the family pool, involving brothers Edward 10, William 6, friends from school and Nick's big sisters, five-year-old Emma and Sarah, 7,to help more children like Nick get care close to home.

She hopes to give some of the money to the children's ward at Hereford's new hospital, for cancer treatment equipment.

Anna, who swam two miles for her appeal, plans to send the rest of the money to the cancer unit at Birmingham Children's Hospital, where Nick received some of his treatment.

Thanks to the combined care from the age of just 22 months, including major surgery to remove one of his kidneys and 45 per cent of his liver, the little tot is making good progress.

"He is a very happy little boy and runs around the house. Considering what he has been through he complains very little," said Nick's mum, Alison.

Alison and husband Chris are very grateful to everyone who has helped raise money, especially Anna and Nick's grandparents who raised £2,000 at a gourmet evening and duck race in the summer.

The fund will receive another boost when Anna's dad Ian collects in sponsor money from a 120-mile off-road cycle ride last weekend.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to Anna Oliver's appeal fund may contact her mum Fiona on 01432 830359.