AN eight-year-old boy has had his leg amputated as he continues to fight against a rare form of bone cancer.

When Conall Riley began complaining of a pain in his right shin, his parents thought the rugby fanatic had hurt himself during a game or training.

They decided to take him to Southend Hospital’s A&E when he woke up during the night screaming in agony.

After an x-ray he was referred to the fracture clinic, with an MRI scan revealing a huge tumour on is leg.

Conall, a pupil at Earls Hall School, in Carlton Avenue, Southend, was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma - which just 30 children in Britain suffer from.

Mum Cara Riley, 42, is urging other parents to be aware of the symptoms, which can easily be missed.

She said: “It’s a very rare, aggressive bone and tissue cancer.

“Although they do try to salvage limbs it can be so aggressive it means they have to amputate.

“This meant the massive tumour in his right leg couldn’t cling on to anything else.”

Conall, who has been having treatment at Southend Hospital, London’s UCL Hospital and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, has undergone nine out of 14 chemotherapy sessions.

His right leg was amputated below his knee in July.

Mrs Riley and husband James, of Tintern Road, Westcliff, are also parents to Finn, 11, and three-year-old Caireann.

They are highlighting the importance of catching the disease early to increase survival rates.

Mrs Riley said: “We really want people to be aware as a symptom is bone pain in children.

“It can be so easy to dismiss this as growing pains or rough play, but if your child is waking up at night it could be a sign of something more serious going on so get them checked out.”

As the couple have had to give up work to care for their children, friends, family and even strangers are raising money to support them.

More than £1,000 has also been put towards buying toys and equipment for the children’s wards at the three hospitals treating Conall.

Mr Riley added: “Every little donation is amazing, I can’t thank people enough. It’s so humbling that people are interested and want to help.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kickcancerovertherainbow2