Generous Five Towns’ residents have raised £15,000 since December to help pay for the brave Featherstone youngster – who cannot walk and relies on his dad and mum Erika Lund for 24-hour care – to have pioneering therapy at a rehabilitation centre in Poland.

Former Featherstone Rovers star Jamie, who now plays for Wakefield Wildcats, said: “It’s unbelievable how much we have raised so quickly.

“I think it’s because people who have their own children know what we are going through and want to help. Erika and I just can’t thank everyone enough, it would be our dream come true to see Brennan have this treatment and start to walk.

“We do have a target of about £60,000, but really we just want to raise as much as possible to give him the best chance in life.”

The Brennan Rooney Appeal was officially launched at Wildcats’ Belle Vue ground yesterday.

Martin Sowerby, fundraising manager for the appeal, said: “The response has been absolutely fantastic. RL players from across the county are supporting us and Sky Sports presenter Phil Clarke has donated some amazing prizes.

“We’re now producing special Brennan Rooney Wakefield Wildcats shirts, which will be sponsored by West Yorkshire Police, and we have several nights of entertainment planned for the summer – some have already sold out.

“We want to become a registered charity and raise as much cash as quickly as possible while improving links in the RL community.

“Brennan needs this treatment and we just want to get him there.”

Previous fundraising events have included an auction of shirts signed by sporting legends including soccer star Thierry Henry and former GB rugby league captain Garry Schofield.

A Featherstone Rovers shirt signed by BBC Radio One DJ Chris Moyles also boosted funds by £1,600.

For more details of fundraising events, or to make a donation, call Martin Sowerby on 07980 866148 or visit www.wakefieldwildcats.co.uk/brennan-rooney-fund-i601377.

Pictured: Jamie Rooney and partner Erika Lund with their sons Brennan and one-year-old Fletcher.