Teenager Joseph Wakefield has been told he may have to have his leg amputated after being struck down with bone cancer.

But the 13-year-old and his family know they have the support of the community behind them – in particular his best friends Callum Clews and George Hill.

Joseph, a pupil at St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma - an aggressive tumour in the bone - earlier this year, and doctors are unable to say if he can be cured.

Joseph has been undergoing treatment

After chemotherapy failed to treat his cancer, he is booked in for an operation to remove the lower part of his leg on Monday (August 19).

Joseph’s dad, John Wakefield, aged 62, of Packmoor, said: “He was diagnosed with bone cancer in March.

“Two sessions of chemotherapy have not worked, so on August 19 he is having his leg amputated. After that he carries on with the chemotherapy.

“It’s the best option for him.

Natilie Hill, Siobhan Clews, John Wakefield, Evie Wakefield, George Hill and Callum Clews,

“The doctors said they can’t tell us when the cancer started or if they can cure it.

“The symptoms started when we got him to start walking home from school. He complained about his leg hurting. At first he was diagnosed with a groin strain, then they thought it was a damaged Achilles tendon.

“Our doctor wanted to look a bit deeper and sent him for an X-ray and that’s when it was diagnosed as cancer.”

Now Callum and George, both aged 13, want to give their best friend something to look forward to. Along with their mums, Siobhan Clews and Natilie Hill, they organised a fun day to try to raise enough cash to pay for Joseph to enjoy some fun activities to take his mind off his current struggles.

Joseph enjoys sports

John added: "The support has been a great help. Not just from friends and family, but the Teenage Cancer Trust and CLIC Sargent have been amazing.”

Joseph, who is being treated at the Royal Stoke University Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, is being supported at home by dad John, mum Karen, aged 47, and sister Ellie, aged 11.

The community around Tunstall rallied round the brave teenager at a fun-day organised at the weekend at the Talisman Pub, on Furlong Road, earlier this month.

Organiser Siobhan, aged 34, of Tunstall, said: “When Joseph was diagnosed it was a shock to everyone, especially Callum and George. They have been friends since nursery and they have been to visit him every week in hospital.

“Callum and George wanted to do something for him. Lots of people have raised money for the hospital, so we thought it would be nice to raise some money for Joseph.”

Ten-year-olds Maisy Murray and Sienna Clews

Natilie, aged 46, of Tunstall, said: “Joseph has missed out on so much already this summer. The boys went to Alton Towers, but Joseph couldn’t go with them and it makes the boys feel guilty.

“The community have really pulled together for this. I’d like to say a big thank-you to everyone who has donated.”

Callum and George have set a target of raising £500 for their friend – but they would love to raise enough cash to be able to treat their alien-fascinated pal to a trip to Nevada to visit the notorious Area 51.

George, aged 13, said: “We want to support Joseph and we want to give him something to look forward to when he gets better.”

The youngster was diagnosed this year

Callum, also aged 13, said: “Joseph loves Area 51, the dream would be to raise enough money to money to take him to Area 51.”

Joseph’s little sister Evie said: “It helps to know so many people are supporting Joseph.

“I’m very close to my brother. He is very brave.”

To support the fund-raising appeal in aid of Joseph, go to: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/josephwakefield

Follow StokeonTrentLive

Download our app - You can download our free app for iPhone and iPad from Apple's App Store, or get the Android version from Google Play

Follow StokeonTrentLive on Facebook - Like our Facebook page to get the latest news in your feed and join in the lively discussions in the comments. Click here to give it a like!

Follow us on Twitter - For breaking news and the latest stories, click here to follow SOTLive on Twitter.

Follow us on Instagram - Featuring pictures past and present from across Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire & South Cheshire - and if you tag us in your posts, we could repost your picture on our page! We also put the latest news in our Instagram Stories. Click here to follow StokeonTrentLive on Instagram.