Alan Shearer and Jermain Defoe have got behind a fundraising campaign for a Jesmond boy battling neuroblastoma.
The pair are urging Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC fans to donate what they can to help little Rocco Troiano, three, receive potentially life-saving treatment abroad.
The courageous tot was initially sent home with laxatives when doctors thought he had constipation before being diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma on February 14 last year.
Go here for the latest NHS news and breaking North East public health news
He has been undergoing intensive chemotherapy at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle since his cancer diagnosis, however, the relapse rate for this cancer is high.
His best chance of beating the illness is to receive a vaccination in New York that could help reduce his risk of relapse.
But the potentially life-saving treatment, which is only available in the USA, costs £230,000.
The family, with the help of the Bradley Lowery Foundation, has been fundraising to cover the cost and managed to raise £150,000 but they still need another £80,000.
And time is ticking, as Rocco needs to have the vaccination soon after completing his frontline treatment in order for it to be effective.
In a video urging supporters to donate, Shearer said: "Hi everyone, I am appealing to all Newcastle United fans.
"Little Rocco from Newcastle is fundraising with the Bradley Lowery Foundation for treatment abroad.
"He needs to raise a further £80,000 in the next few months and we need your help.
"Like you all helped Bradley, we need your help again.
"If you can spare just £2 it can really make a difference. Thank you."
The Bradley Lowery Foundation, supporting Rocco, was established in memory of Bradley Lowery, from Blackhall, who passed away following a fight with neuroblastoma in 2017.
Defoe, who formed a special bond with Bradley, also urged Sunderland fans to help in a heartfelt video.
He said: "Hi guys, it's Jermain.
"The Bradley Lowery Foundation needs your help to help Rocco.
"Rocco has neuroblastoma, the same cancer that Bradley had, so we are asking you to show your support like you did for Bradley.
"The whole nation came out to show their support and we need the same for Rocco.
"So please show your support. Thank you very much."
Newcastle fans can text NUFC to 70480 to donate £5 or visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RoccoNUFC
Sunderland fans can text SAFC to 70480 to donate £5 or visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RoccoSAFC
