The family of Ayrshire youngster Calum Rae say they are "utterly distraught" after announcing that his cancer has returned.

The Troon youngster was aged just four when he was diagnosed last year with a stage M high-risk neuroblastoma, and more than £250,000 was raised to fly him to New York for treatment. 

He was set to head across the pond to receive a miracle vaccine being trialled on children, which could prevent the neuroblastoma from returning.

However, the family has now shared the devastating news of Calum's relapse on their campaign page 'Calum, Our Rae of Sunshine'.

Calum lives with his mum Victoria McDonald, who is originally from Dalry and works as a teacher at West Kilbride Primary School, and dad Andrew Rae.

The family said: "We would like to let everyone know that Calum’s end of treatment scans have shown a relapse, the cancer is back.

"Everything was set for NYC, Calum has been NED since surgery and he has been well. We were completely shocked.

"Although we were always anxious for those results, we had hoped they would never come.

"We are utterly distraught but trying our best to be brave for our strong boy.

"Relapses in neuroblastoma are stubborn and often resistant to treatment, often referred to as treatable rather than curable.

"Calum has finished one cycle of chemo and will have another before having scans to see the response.

"The plan is for six cycles, if Calum can tolerate them, and depending on response, then we reassess for what’s next.

"There are clinical trials throughout the UK, Europe and America for treatments for relapse that Calum may potentially be eligible for. We hope to use the funds raised to access these trials if he is eligible.

"We thought we had beat this but is it truly a cruel and ruthless disease. Please keep Calum in your thoughts and hearts that he has the strength to fight again.

"Thank you as always for the support and kind words, it truly helps."