A YOUNG Bankie who has spent weeks in Florida for urgent care to save his life continues to smile as he gets ready to return home.

Caleb Stirrat, three, has been in Jacksonville since April getting proton therapy to treat his ATRT (atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour), a rare and fast-growing tumour of the brain and spinal cord.

The Parkhall tot, along with his triplet siblings, Poppy and Alyssia, has been in the Sunshine State along with parents Karen and Andy and his grandparents.

But Caleb will still face months of chemotherapy on his return, currently planned for Monday. His family have expressed their gratitude for community support, particularly fundraising.

Read more: Clydebank family's cancer shock for triplet Caleb Stirrat

Karen told the Post: “Caleb has been responding well to treatment so far with the exception of needing three blood and three platelet transfusions most likely due to a combination of chemo and proton therapy over here.

“But he finishes his proton therapy on Wednesday and we are hoping to fly home next Monday all being well.

“Caleb will most likely be going back into hospital within a day or two of being home as his next round of chemo will be due.”

She continued: “He still manages to smile every day and his sisters really help him as they don’t like to see him sad and are always reassuring him that he is okay.

“They have such a bond that it would bring a tear to anyone’s eye to see how amazingly they have coped throughout this heartbreaking time.

“I’d like to thank the public for the huge efforts to help our family be together at such a stressful time and hope to see everyone soon.”

Read more: Clydebank's Caleb Stirrat arrives in Florida for proton therapy

Fundraising has so far found nearly £12,000 for the family.

Karen’s aunt, Claire Smith, added her thanks to the public for their donations, without which they’d not have been able to send Caleb’s siblings or his grandparents.

She said: “Karen has really noticed how important it was for Caleb to have them all there.

“Karen and Andy are a family like many, trying to make ends meet and living simple lives.

“Caleb faces another few months of treatment once home, and therefore, Andy will be unable to work, so any help is much appreciated.”