When Kings Langley toddler Louis Rumble was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, his family vowed to raise as much money as possible for cancer charities and the hospital which helped save his life.

Following a number of fundraisers and marathons, they have collected more than £40,000 for Children with Leukaemia and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

His mother, Clair Rumble, 32, explained: “It really knocked us for six when Louis was diagnosed with leukaemia in September 2009.

“You don’t ever think it’s going to happen to you, but of course it can.

“Louis has a 90 per cent chance of being fine – at the moment he’s in maintenance.

“But it’s thanks to causes such as Children with Leukaemia that he has a fighting chance.

“If Louis had been born 15 years ago, his chances would not have been so great, but because people raise money for the charity, research has advanced.

“The entire family has really pulled together, we’ve had cake sales, quiz nights and some members have run marathons.”

Nineteen-month-old Louis, twin brother of Grace, has had to undergo several bouts of chemotherapy, steroids, losing his hair and numerous trips to Watford General and Great Ormond Street Hospitals.

On April 17, father Jim Rumble, along with brother Dave, sister-in-law Sue and uncle Andrew Harley took part in the London Marathon for the causes.

Running under the name Team Rumble, they completed the 26.2 mile course and collectively managed to raise about £31, 981.

Mrs Rumble, of Ovaltine Drive, said: “The total that we have raised in Louis' name since he was diagnosed currently stands at £45,698 which is staggering.

“On the day of the marathon, it was much hotter than any of them had anticipated and by the time they reached Canary Wharf they were feeling the heat.

“The atmosphere was amazing and people were calling their names to encourage them.

“Me, Grace, Louis, grandparents and friends were there to support them along the course and we spread out at different points.

“Grace and Louis had been practising 'Come on daddy keep going' and 'Run Rumbles Run' and loved seeing everyone dressed up in costumes.

“We welcomed them at the finish line with hats, flags and a banner.

“They were all sore, relieved, but most of all proud at what they had achieved and the money they had behind them. “I felt quite overwhelmed, it was a very emotional day. I felt great pride for my family, they all did superbly. “They all have children, work commitments and busy lives and to fit in the training required to run a marathon has not been easy for any of them.”

Mr Rumble added: “I really enjoyed the day, it was good fun and the crowd was really supportive. “It feels great to have raised all this money for such worthy causes, the care provided by Great Ormond Street has been invaluable.

“We set out to raise £6,500 for Children with Leukaemia and we are delighted to have smashed that target.

“With the weather improving, Louis should pick up fewer infections and we are looking forward to a long germ free spring and summer where Louis stays out of hospital and we can spend some much needed family time together.”

To sponsor Louis visit: http://www.louisrumble.co.uk/