An LA Galaxy football star stopped by a children’s hospital to put a smile on the face of a young lad from Hartley undergoing potentially life-saving cancer treatment.

Jack Howard, 12, is battling a second bout of kidney cancer at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in Sunset Boulevard and was visited by Galaxy defender A.J. DeLaGarza over the weekend.

The former teammate of David Beckham met Jack during his visit, which came as the fundraising campaign launched to help pay for Jack’s treatment and accommodation in the States soared past £200,000.

More than £4,500 was raised by a coffee morning at Nurstead Court in Meopham last Friday, with around 100 people packing out the venue to enjoy hot drinks and cake.

There was also a raffle and a money tree and Louise Knapp, one of the organisers, was grateful for everyone’s generosity.

“All the tables were taken and it was full from the start to the end,” she said. “It was a really successful event and everyone that came just wanted to help and raise awareness for Jack. They were very generous with their donations and we would like to thank them.”

Elsewhere, staff at Marks & Spencer’s Bluewater store have collected £1,500 and Jack’s old primary school Our Lady of Hartley has raised a whopping £5,400.

Friends Tim Flynn and Stuart Mace raised £540 with a marathon game of tennis and Jackie Meylak collected £735 from supporters at Bromley Football Club.

The money is certainly needed as the costs of both the accommodation and the treatment are huge. Jack’s family had to pay £1,000 for his first Stateside consultation alone.

If you would like to help, the easiest way is to donate at crowdfunder.co.uk/jack-howard.

If you are planning something else to raise money for Jack, let us know at gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk or call the newsdesk on 01474 564327.