A dad from Felixstowe who is fighting leukaemia for the third time said that words cannot express how proud he is of his sons.

In less than 48 hours, Jake and Logan Croarkin from Felixstowe, aged nine and seven, have raised almost £2,000 for Leukaemia UK.

Elder brother Jake came up with the idea to raise funds for the charity after their dad, Luke Croarkin, was diagnosed with leukaemia last year.

This is the third time Mr Croarkin, 36, has fought the disease, having been diagnosed with leukaemia at ages 15 and 17.

Ipswich Star: Brothers Logan, aged seven, and Jake, aged nine. Image: Kirsty CroarkinBrothers Logan, aged seven, and Jake, aged nine. Image: Kirsty Croarkin (Image: Kirsty Croarkin)Ipswich Star: Parents Luke and Kirsty Croarkin with their children, Jake and Logan. Image: Kirsty CroarkinParents Luke and Kirsty Croarkin with their children, Jake and Logan. Image: Kirsty Croarkin (Image: Kirsty Croarkin)

In November last year, he began experiencing flu-like symptoms and a worryingly high temperature.

After several trips to hospital and numerous tests, it was confirmed that the leukaemia was back.

Mr Croarkin spent his birthday, Christmas and New Year in hospital. He is unable to have any more radiotherapy, and chemotherapy had no effect.

Both he and his wife, Kirsty, were devastated, as they did not know if anything more could be done.

Fortunately, Mr Croarkin has been able to access Gilteritinib, a new drug used to target the type of mutation which he has in the leukaemia cells.

The drug is working, having significantly reduced the levels of leukaemia in his blood cells.

Ipswich Star: Luke and Kirsty have been encouraging their children to ask any questions they may have about their dad's treatment. Pictured here, Luke having his head shaved after beginning to lose his hair during chemotherapy. Image: Kirsty Croarkin Luke and Kirsty have been encouraging their children to ask any questions they may have about their dad's treatment. Pictured here, Luke having his head shaved after beginning to lose his hair during chemotherapy. Image: Kirsty Croarkin (Image: Kirsty Croarkin)Ipswich Star: Luke pictured with his sons, Logan, left, and Jake, right. Image: Kirsty CroarkinLuke pictured with his sons, Logan, left, and Jake, right. Image: Kirsty Croarkin (Image: Kirsty Croarkin)

Mr and Mrs Croarkin said that at first they were unsure how to explain his illness to the couple’s two sons. However, they decided to be as open as possible and to answer their questions honestly.

To say that they are proud of the way the boys have responded would be an understatement, Mr Croarkin said.

“We are so lucky to have them,” said Mr Croarkin. When he has been in pain and struggling, his sons have been keeping his spirits high.

Watching Family Fortunes together, nine-year-old Jake asked if anyone could raise money for charity.

When mum Kirsty confirmed they could, the boys vowed to raise as much as they could – and awareness, both of the symptoms of leukaemia, which are often missed, and the long-lasting effects of treatment.

They are planning to run 100km between them during March.

Their determination has touched the hearts of the community. At the time of reporting, they have raised £1,940 in just two days.

“We’ve had a gloomy couple of months, but this is something really positive,” said Mrs Croarkin. “It has been lovely to see smiles on the family’s faces.”

To donate to the boys' fundraiser, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/jakeandlogan-1708961503981 or click here

To keep up with their progress via their Facebook page, search 'The Cro Kids' or click here