A six-year-old who needs to raise funds for lifesaving treatment in America led his football team to the pitch at a Crystal Palace match.

Adam Bird, who suffers from an aggressive form of child cancer called neuroblastoma, led the West Brom team at a match on Sunday, April 25, played with the team’s captain and cuddled up to their mascot Baggie Bird.

His father, Nick, said: “We went to the changing rooms and met all the players. Adam met Baggie Bird, the West Brom mascot, and he has a small cuddly toy of Baggie Bird he takes to bed with him every night.

“He absolutely loved it, he really did. He kicked ball with West Brom’s captain, met all the players and led the team out to the pitch before the match.”

For Adam, Crystal Palace agreed to break the protocol and allow his team’s mascot to be at the match.

Mr Bird said: “The opposing team’s mascot is not allowed to be at away matches, but the guys who came down from West Brom were great - they got Crystal Palace to agree with the mascot coming. Crystal Palace really made it special for Adam.”

His family launched Adam’s Appeal, to raise £300,000 to take him to the US, to undergo immunotherapy treatment once the other stages of his treatment in the UK are finished.

So far, the appeal has raised over £70,000 in about five weeks. Celebrities such as comedians Alan Davies, Rob Brydon and David Walliams have been supporting the appeal, on microblogging site Twitter, and by donating signed items for auction.

On Saturday, Adam will be presented with a check for £1,000 at a Charlton FC match be fore the kick off.

To help Adam get the treatment he needs, go to adamsappeal.org or donate at justgiving.com/adambirdappeal.