THE father of a Kidderminster youngster who has touched hearts through his brave battle against leukaemia said the family would not give up hope after finding out the disease was terminal.

Two-year-old Charlie Harris-Beard has been given just weeks to live after recent test results revealed his cancer had returned.

He was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia on Easter Sunday last year but returned home from hospital in January following a successful bone marrow transplant using an umbilical cord.

His parents announced on their facebook page Help save baby Charlie Harris-Beard, which has more than 16,000 followers, that the cancer had returned, last Tuesday.

The family are now looking into treatment in America in a desperate bid to save his life.

Charlie’s father Joe Beard said: “We hope and pray that they can do something out there. It’s a long shot but we’re trying to still keep going and see if we can find something.

“To find out the cancer had returned was absolutely devastating but we can’t give up. We will keep going and keep trying to find something. We’re trying to put as many smiles on his face as possible.

“We’ve been ringing hospitals all over the world trying to get through to different doctors.”

Mr Beard told The Shuttle that Charlie had kept smiling despite what he had been going through.

“He’s touched a lot of people’s hearts", said Mr beard. "He smiles all the time, even when he’s going through pain. That’s amazing to see.

“He’s got through a cancer which is really rare in children and he’s had all the adult treatment in terms of chemotherapy.

“He wakes up and the first thing he says is ‘Daddy can I go in my car?’ - he just wants to play.

“He’s been battling for 21 months so he’s put in a good battle. He’s worked hard and fought it a long time.”

He added he had been “overwhelmed” with the support he and Charlie’s mother Fiona Harris had received from friends, family and Wyre Forest residents.

“It’s great how everyone can come together,” he said. “A massive thank you to all family and friends and everyone who has followed this story.”

Mr Beard will be marrying Miss Harris at St Mary’s Church tomorrow after bringing their wedding date forward so Charlie, who will be best man, could be there.