THE family of Belbroughton boy Finley Hill who is battling a rare immune system disorder have thanked members of the public for their support as the youngster prepares to begin treatment for his life-threatening condition.

The seven-year-old schoolboy, who attends Hagley Primary School, suffers from familial HLH (familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis) which causes damaged and enlarged organs.

A public search was launched to help find a stem cell donor so that Finley could undergo specialist treatment – his only hope of survival – and after a match was found the brave youngster was today (Wednesday) preparing to embark on his treatment journey.

It has been an emotional time for his anxious parents Jo and Paul Hill who have thanked all those who have signed up to a bone marrow register, organised a donor drive, volunteered, shared social posts or said a prayer for Finley who was due to be admitted to hospital today ahead of starting chemotherapy treatment.

His mum Jo Hill posted on Facebook this morning: “I can’t quite believe we are finally here, our belongings boiled/anti bac wiped and bagged up ready to embark up on the scariest time of our lives. But if anyone can smash this we know Finn can. He has defied the odds all along and is stronger and braver than anyone I will ever know.

“Paul and I are dehydrated from crying, so many tears though aren’t brought on by sadness but from feeling, love, compassion, kindness and generosity from so many.”

Finley faces a minimum of three months in hospital and up to six months off school and Mrs Hill said her brave boy, who had his hair shaved off at Phinix Hair and Beauty Salon in Hagley before heading off, has admitted he’s scared of what lies ahead.

But she promised him she’ll be with him every step of the way and so will his thousands of Facebook followers and well-wishers.