More than £5,000 has been raised to help a sick boy realise his dream of seeing snow for the first time.

Olly McKay from Newton Ferrers was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in 2012 when he was just 15 months old, after his parent’s Emma and Paul discovered a lump in his testicles.

Two months after his initial treatment the disease returned and although Olly beat cancer again, it has returned.

The plucky youngster had made national headlines after it was revealed he had compiled a ’bucket list’ of things he wanted to do. On it was the wish to feel and experience snow for the first time. Local man Scott Dooley decided he wanted to do something to help. Each year, Scott takes on the challenge of swimming five kilometres in the River Yealm, and this year he decided it would be in aid of a trip to Lapland to make Olly’s dream come true.

Word got around and by the big day a team of swimmers were trained and ready to take part. They included Liam Pulman, Timothy Chudley, Michael Evered, Wesley McKibbin, Nigel Sobey, Tom Edie, Luke Hill, Simon Wharton, Taogh McDonough, Abi Peel, Laurence Hulett, Dan Tarbox, Helena Proctor, Lee Harris-Joce, Oliver Yates, Christine Harding, Katya Tedder and Luke Allison.

The swim took them from the River Yealm sand bar, down to The Ship Inn and around the quay before finishing at the slip in Newton Ferrers. Supporters enjoyed a day of entertainment on dry land, based around The Dolphin Inn.

Scott said: “I’m very proud of the team for turning up in all weathers to prepare for the swim, and maintaining the camaraderie right up until the finish. The true credit should go to those that have never swum more than one kilometre, let alone five.”

Claire Northmore from estate agent Marchand Petit, one of the sponsors of the event added: “Oliver is in my son’s class at the village school in Newton Ferrers, and since his cancer returned the community has rallied to support the family. Scott did an absolutely incredible job organising this fundraiser and all those who swam, baked, sang, cheered and supported on the day are instrumental in contributing towards Oliver’s bucket list wish”.

£5,152 and counting has been raised so far. Although the online Justgiving page has now closed, to donate please contact the Marchand Petit office on 01752 873311 and ask for Claire.