Two-year-old Nicholas, of Badger Close, suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease, which prevents him from eating.

But a £10,000 trip to a world renowned feeding clinic in Austria, could see the youngster eating in three weeks and being fed every hour through a tube in his stomach will become a thing of the past.

Donations have been flooding in from friends, relatives and local companies and Nicholas's parents, Michael and Audrey have raised more than £8,000 which will help change their son's life forever.

The couple have been writing to all the secondary schools in Peterborough as well as local businesses looking for support.

However, there is still a way to go, and with a date set for treatment, Nicholas's mum is keen to keep the fund-raising going.

The 37-year-old said: "We are a bit worried as time is going quickly, but very excited that the treatment will soon be underway.

"We have had a number of generous donations from friends, family, the schools and the public, but are keen to raise the last £5,900.

"Nicholas is doing well, but it will be great when we are able to stop feeding him through his stomach and instead watch him tucking into a meal."

Nicholas, who underwent four major operations in the first 18 months of his life also suffers from Goldenhar syndrome, a congenital birth defect which causes deformities of the face.

The youngster has been recently waiting to hear if he is to undergo a fifth life-changing operation, which could mean he could eat like a normal child.

But with no date being given, and surgeons concerned about the 75 per cent success rate, his mum decided it was time to look elsewhere.

After doing their research, Nicholas's parents found the Austrian clinic which has a 95 per cent success rate in getting children of Nicholas's age and condition, eating in three weeks.

If you would like to make a donation, call Tara Dundon on 01733 588729, or e-mail tara.dundon@peterboroughtoday.co.uk