Cancer-stricken father Neil Cooper wakes up today with the best news he could possibly hope for.

Results from his latest scan show pioneering chemotherapy treatment has reduced the size of the tumours on his chest and adrenal glands by another 20 per cent.

Today his grateful family send out a huge thank you to the people of Sussex who have paid for the cost of his treatment by raising almost £70,000 in less than three months.

Neil's older brother Warren said: "We are over the moon. It is the best news possible.

"There was always a fear the results of the first scan, which showed a reduction, might have been a fluke or a one-off.

"To get a terrific result like this is just amazing. Even the consultant was surprised.

"We were taking each day at a time. To look ahead by even a month was hard. Now we are looking much further ahead than that.

"We would like to thank each and every person who has supported us over the last few months by contributing to the appeal. It has made all the difference in the world."

Neil still has another four cycles of chemotherapy to go.

Neil, 33, from Portslade, was told in January he had only two months to live after doctors discovered cancer.

Ordinary chemotherapy was unsuccessful and his only hope of survival was the trial treatment in London.

The Argus launched the Neil Cooper Appeal at the end of April. Since then, money has been pouring in giving Neil and his family the chance to concentrate on his health and not worry about the cost.

The results of the first scan last month found that after two cycles of treatment, the tumour in Neil's lungs had halved and growths in his adrenal glands had also shrunk.

Thanks to readers of The Argus, Neil can continue the treatment, which is giving him more precious time with his wife Wendy, 32, and their eight-month-old daughter Caitlin.

Neil is now looking forward to celebrating Caitlin's first birthday in November.

Donations have flooded in, with schools, businesses, old schoolmates, work colleagues, friends and strangers all getting behind the campaign.

Appeal coordinator Elsa Gillio said: "I am absolutely delighted with the news of the latest results. It is wonderful to learn the treatment is working.

"Those who gave so generously have helped this special family. They have made such a difference to their lives.

"The fund-raising continues so Neil can carry on this treatment which is working so well."

Send cheques to: The Neil Cooper Appeal, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Brighton BN1 8AR. Donate by credit card by calling Elsa Gillio on 01273 544465.