Friends and family of a young boy fighting cancer are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for his cause at this afternoon's Premier League clash between West Ham and Southampton.

Jack Howard, 12, from Hartley, is a huge Hammers fan and dozens of well-wishers have been given the all-clear to bring collection buckets to the London Stadium so that supporters can donate before the 4pm kick-off.

There will also be a note in the match programme to raise awareness of Jack's battle with kidney cancer, for which he is currently in America to receive potentially life saving treatment.

He and his immediate family flew out to Los Angeles from Heathrow on Monday afternoon and he had his first consultation meeting on Tuesday, at a cost of around £1,000.

Aunt Keely Howard said: "He is due to start treatment next week and is having tests and examinations."

Earlier this month doctors were unsure if he had days or weeks to live, but the family are hopeful that the pioneering treatment on America’s west coast will see him pull through.

Well over £100,000 has been raised on a Crowdfunder page to support the Gravesend Grammar School Student, who has already beaten cancer once before.

The former Our Lady of Hartley Primary School pupil underwent gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2013, and also had his kidney removed.

He went into remission in February 2014 but the cancer returned last December.

Jack's Story

Family pins hopes on pioneering treatment in America

Thousands raised to help save Jack's life

West Ham super fan Jack jets to LA for potentially life saving treatment

You can still donate to Jack’s Crowdfunder page at crowdfunder.co.uk/jack-howard.