His mum Janette said Joshua is very pleased because he has received over 500 cards and she wants to say a heart-felt “thank you” to everyone.

Well-wishers have also sent £500 in donations. The family are fundraising for a Rebel Replica battery-powered car which will cost about £4,000.

Joshua, who lives in Southery, is battling a brave fight against cancer which has returned with a vengeance.

The cancer is in his pelvis, liver and abdomen and he is having treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Since the family asked Citizen readers for cards, hundreds have been sent from businesses and individuals.

Chatteris builder Ken Perrin has organised a sponsored horse ride which is on November 16 around eight miles of track and fields at Southery. Entry is £12 and riders are encouraged to get sponsorship. Cheques should be may payable to Joshua Hinchliffe.

For details contact Ken on ken@perrinbuild.co.uk or in the evenings on 07738-292192.

Ken already has £200 in the pot for Joshua and has been busy distributing leaflets and cards to several equestrian outlets.

“I put an appeal out to my riding club and someone is putting the details of the ride on the Horse Dates web site and another local equestrian magazine,” said Ken.

Ken is planning to give every rider a card on the day to sign for Joshua.

Cards for Joshua can be sent via the Citizen and dropped into our offices at either Wisbech or March or posted to: Joshua Hinchliffe c/o Fenland Citizen, 11 Union Street, Wisbech Cambs PE13 1DN.