AWARD-winning singer-songwriter James Morrison is backing a £300,000 fund-raising drive to send a four-year-old cancer sufferer to America for cutting-edge treatment.

The pop star, who was discovered in Derby, has agreed for his music to be used free of charge on a video being made about Lewis Mighty.

The youngster has neuroblastoma – a rare form of childhood cancer – and been given just a 20% chance of surviving the next two years.

His mum and dad Jaime and Perry, of Mackworth, are now trying to raise £300,000 to send him to New York for immunotherapy treatment.

The team behind the appeal have decided to use a song from James' latest album, called Once When I Was Little, on a video being made to raise awareness of Lewis's story.

James said he was only too happy to help out.

He said: "I'm really happy to support and help publicise the Lewis Mighty Fund in this way.

"Lewis's story is one of immense bravery and determination and really struck a chord with me, not only because of my links to the Derby area but because I now have a child of my own."

Fund spokesman Stuart Holness said the backing of the Brit Award-winning singer was a huge boost to the appeal.

He said: "It is fantastic to get the support of someone as well known as James Morrison.

"He has been very generous in allowing us to use his music without charge and the song we have chosen for the video is very poignant."

Multi-million record-selling singer James first became known in Derby when he played at open mic nights in the city. He was discovered at Ryan's Bar in St Peter's Street, Derby, in 2004 and has since become a global star, performing duets with singers such as Nelly Furtado.

James now joins other celebrities, including champion boxer Amir Khan and Rams skipper Robbie Savage, in backing the Lewis Mighty appeal.

Mum Jaime said: "James Morrison is a fantastic singer and we love his music, so we were so pleased to hear he has allowed us to use this song.

"He is such a big star and to have the backing of someone like him is a huge boost."

Donations to the fund can be made through http://www.lewismightyfund.org.uk/ and also at any branch of NatWest using account number 25335901 and sort code 60-12-01.

Donations can be also be sent to the Lewis Mighty Fund, c/o Oodles, 42 St Mary's Gate, Derby, DE1 3JZ.

If you are hosting a fund-raising event let Catherine Oakes at the Derby Telegraph know by calling 01332 291111 ext 6501, or e-mail her at coakes@derbytelegraph.co.uk