THE family of a five-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with a rare brain tumour have launched an appeal to raise funds for treatment after doctors warned that their options in Scotland were limited.

Alex Logan, from Prestonpans, has been diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), the same condition which has affected Tranent youngster Luke Stewart.

Alex’s family have been raising money to get him into a clinical trial but are also looking further afield for more options.

Luke, seven, is currently undergoing specialist treatment in Mexico, which his family have reported is having astonishing results. Now Alex’s family hope they can make sure he can also access the help he needs.

Mum Paula told the Courier: “We have been told radiation is the only treatment and there is a clinical trial Alex is in but we are researching other options as well. We want to make sure we do everything we possibly can to help Alex get better.”

The Action for Alex campaign was launched by friends of the family after they received the devastating diagnosis last month.

Paula, 29, who lives with Alex and his sister Eva, who is nine, on Preston Avenue, said it had come as a huge shock.

She said: “I noticed Alex’s left eye was a bit droopy and his speech was not right; he was also having balance issues so we went to the doctor and we were sent straight to the hospital.

“A scan revealed there was a brain tumour and further investigation confirmed it was DIPG.

“It was a terrible shock, you don’t expect to hear those words ever.

“They say it is a rare tumour yet we are obviously aware of Luke being diagnosed.

“Alex is the third child I am personally aware of with the condition, yet the treatment available here is so limited.”

Alex and his family are staying at the CLIC Sargent accomodation while he receives radiation treatment at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

Alex, a pupil at Prestonpans Infant School, is described by his family as a “sweet little boy who is so bright and comical, loves playing outdoors with his friends, also trains with his local football club, love arts and crafts and really enjoys school”.

He was diagnosed with DIPG on September 6, and friends and relatives have rallied to support the family with fundraising events organised and a JustGiving page set up.

Among events organised are a 5k run which takes place from Meadowmill Sports Centre tomorrow (Friday) and a Scotland Legends football match which will be held at the centre on November 5.

Prestonpans professional boxing champion Josh Taylor is also supporting Alex by taking part in a darts exhibition which is being arranged for December 10 in the town, with other special guests including professional darts players.

Paula, who works in Poundland in Musselburgh and has been given time off to support Alex, said: “I want to thank everyone who has supported us and continues to support us at this time. We have a long way to go but are overwhelmed by people’s generosity.”

The Brain Tumour Charity, which supports families and funds research into the condition, said DIPG was rare.

Sarah Lindsell, the charity’s CEO, said: “We are all thinking of Alex and Luke and their families at such a heartbreaking time.

“DIPG is rare and devastating. It affects between 20 and 30 children every year in the UK and there is currently no clinically proven effective treatment.

“That has to change. No family faced with a DIPG diagnosis should have to hear there is no hope of a cure.

“We are funding research into DIPG at centres including the Institute of Cancer Research in London, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and the University of Oxford which we hope will lead to a better future for children diagnosed with this dreadful disease.”

To support Alex and his family, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/susan-logan-1