MINI Darth Vaders, Yodas and Obi-Wan Kenobis dressed up to support their classmate who is seriously ill.

Little Harry Balaam, who goes to Holly Spring Junior School, was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Burkitt's Lymphoma last November. 

Shortly after his diagnosis, thousands was raised within days so the five-year-old and other patients at the John Radcliffe Hospital could receive new medical equipment.

And in an emotional display of unity, pupils from the Bracknell primary, infant and pre school held a dress up day on Friday, February 10 to support their Star Wars mad friend.

“It was absolutely incredible,” said dad Simon, of the unwavering support. “I could not have hoped for any better to be honest, it was fantastic and the money used will go to the Kamran’s ward.

“Harry is home now, he did go to the school for a couple of hours. He’s lost a lot of weight so he didn’t wear a costume, but he had his Star Wars shirt and badges on and he took his lightsaber.”

More than £1,000 was raised on the day and, the pre-school also got involved in the activities based on a galaxy far far away, raising a further £300.

“We are overwhelmed really,” added Simon, from Goodways Drive. “The generosity of everyone and the local schools has been fantastic, we are entirely grateful.”

At the time of writing, £9,837 has been raised on Harry’s JustGiving page, which doesn’t include proceeds made from the dress up day last week.

All the money will go towards paying for specialist monitors, costing £8,000 each, enabling nurses to keep tabs on patients’ vital signs overnight.

Currently, there is a shortage of these due to NHS cutbacks. The more of these monitors they have it allows medical staff to administer more pain-reducing medicine.

For a few nights after his admission, Harry, like many others, was left uncomfortable as he wasn’t allowed extra medicines to reduce pain.

He is almost done with his third cycle of chemotherapy, with just one part left which will be completed in a few weeks’ time.

So far, everything is going in the right direction.

Another fundraising event is being held at Bracknell Town Football Club on Sunday, April 23.

Face painting, football games, stone-baked pizzas will all be in store.

While a raffle including iPads and a £700 bike is also up for grabs.

To donate to Team Harry, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/team-harry-b.

Bracknell News:

Lenny Gates, Saskia Terblanche-Rey, Dylan Skrzypczak and Ruben Pell-Hiley

Bracknell News:

Theo Morgan-Evans as Darth Vader

Bracknell News:

Mia Skrzypczak and Isla Ross

Bracknell News:

Staff also wore badges with the words 'May the force be with Harry' written on them.

Photos: Mike Swift.