YOUNG cancer sufferer Brandon Ballance has been lent the support of a North East singing star as he vies to go on the trip of a lifetime.

Georgia Overton – who is best friends with pop sensation and X Factor winner Joe McElderry – is set to perform at a special event to raise money for the brain tumour patient.

It comes just four weeks after the eight-year-old’s mum Sarah Nicholson, made an emotional public plea for help in making his dream of swimming with dolphins in America come true.

Single mum Sarah, from Amble, in Northumberland, launched the appeal in The Journal last month and has now been able to book the holiday, after £13,000 flooded in from our generous readers.

Sarah, 33, said: “In such a short space of time, the response we have had has just been overwhelming. The holiday itself has cost £11,000 and includes direct flights from Newcastle which is great for Brandon.

“Hays Travel agents have also donated two swimming passes. We are just so grateful for everything. Obviously, there are other costs involved so we are continuing to appeal for help. And if we raise more money than we set out to, we would like to organise a surprise for Brandon later in the year.

“We just want to thank everyone for all of their support so far.”

Brandon has spent most of his short life in his hospital after he was diagnosed with the inoperable tumour six years ago.

In the past few weeks, the community has rallied around to help the family raise enough cash to take him on the trip of a lifetime to the States.

Scores of fundraising events have already taken place and Sarah has now booked a two-week trip at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, in Florida, in August.