This is the joyous moment cancer-stricken father Neil Cooper gave his baby daughter Caitlin a loving cuddle following a breakthrough in his treatment.

Just seven weeks ago it was almost too much to hope for but now Mr Cooper can dream of seeing his daughter's first birthday - and all because of the amazing generosity of readers of The Argus.

Mr Cooper, 33, from Portslade, has been told a trial medical treatment paid for by The Argus Appeal has halved the size of a cancerous tumour in his lungs.

The tumours in his adrenal glands have also been reduced thanks to the pioneering treatment he has been receiving during the past six weeks.

Mr Cooper was told he only had two months to live in January, when Caitlin was just two-months-old.

After unsuccessful chemotherapy, his last hope was to begin a treatment on trial in the UK, which would cost about £10,000 to administer every three weeks.

The Argus launched its appeal to help raise the money for the urgent treatment and buy time for him and his wife Wendy, 32, to watch their daughter grow together.

Watching a baby's early development brings daily moments of excitement for every parent and now Mr Cooper hopes he can spend more of those special times with his daughter. He hopes to realise his dream of celebrating her first birthday on November 11, a milestone for any family.

None of it would have been possible without support from readers of The Argus, who have organised football matches and sponsored walks, made donations and spread the word about Mr Cooper and his family.

Today he begins his third cycle of treatment, buoyant from the good news he was told on Tuesday.

His family had hardly dared hope the treatment would stabilise his condition but doctors have said the treatment has blitzed the tumours, reducing them in size and giving him the chance of more precious time with his daughter.

Mr Cooper yesterday said: "I've been saying we have got to have some good news at some stage to break the trend - and I was more than pleased to get it on Tuesday.

"We probably would have only been able to afford the first cycle but that in itself wouldn't have helped that much.

"Without the Argus Appeal I wouldn't be where I am right now so a massive thank you to everyone.

"I'm looking towards Caitlin's birthday and beyond."

So far, the appeal has raised £47,000 but more money is required for Neil to continue the treatment.