A family paced a waiting room for 16 hours as surgeons removed a tumour from their son's brain while their house was falling apart.

George Dodgson, from Twydall near Gillingham collapsed at home last Sunday and fell down the stairs, which led to the discovery of the lump in his head.

The four-year-old was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital for a CT scan which revealed the growth but mum Kirsty was seething having paid multiple visits to GPs who repeatedly told her he had an ear infection.

George was then sent to King's College Hospital where the youngster received urgent surgery on Thursday to remove the tumour.

But things started to go from bad to worse for the family – who have two other children aged nine and seven – as while they waited anxiously for George's return, the roof of their house fell in.

A pipe is believed to have burst in an upstairs bedroom which flooded the floor causing the roof to collapse.

The living room has been destroyed wrecking two newly-bought sofas, ravaging the carpet and smashing the kids' toys.

Kirsty had only been redecorating the house on Sunday and it was after applying the finishing touches to her little boy's room she made the shocking discovery of him slumped at the bottom of the stairs.

Help is on hand however thanks to a friendly neighbourhood Spiderman – otherwise known as Medway Spidey, a children's entertainer who also helps families in need.

John Scallion posed as the web-slinging superhero as he sought to raise George's spirits before he went down for his surgery, delivering him toys and colouring in books.

When the masked vigilante found out about the house he set to work rounding a group of plumbers, plasterers and anyone else offering to lend some elbow grease to help put the home in order.

He said: "It's terrible, the family paced a waiting room for 16 hours, in the meantime their house was falling apart.

"We've removed all the carpets from the house and are getting people in to assess the damage.

"A lot of people have been in touch and have offered their time."

The part-time parkour and freerunner said "they were getting there" adding he thinks they have what they need now after some sofas were kindly donated.

However, he has requested if people would like to help the family that they contribute to the fundraising page.

Dad Lee has left his work temporarily to be with his family and is having to travel between the London hospital and their home in Gillingham.

George came round from his surgery on Friday and is well but is still recovering on a ward.

If you would like to donate, go to JustGiving.

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