Terminally ill boy receives nearly 100,000 birthday cards from strangers after appeal

Credit: Danny's Warriors

A terminally ill boy has received nearly 100,000 birthday cards from well-wishers following an appeal by his mother.

Six-year-old Danny Nickerson, from Boston, Massachusetts, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in October 2013 and was forced to stop attending Kindergarten.

Danny was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour last year. Credit: Danny's Warriors

Danny's mum said her son began to feel lonely as a result, but was always happy to receive cards with his name on them.

Carley Nickerson decided to appeal on Facebook for people to send cards - prompting an overwhelming response from around the world.

The appeal prompted a worldwide response. Credit: Facebook

By the time Danny celebrated his sixth birthday on Friday, he had received nearly 100,000 cards.

Pop star Justin Bieber even sent a message to the youngster with the words: "Happy Birthday Danny! Much love, Justin Bieber".

Justin Bieber wrote a message to Danny on his Instagram page. Credit: Justin Bieber

Danny, who loves Super Mario and Lego, apparently cannot "stop smiling" as the influx of cards continues.

After discovering that Danny loves Super Mario and Lego, Reddit users even arranged a gift list so users could send personalised presents to the youngster.

Danny is a fan of Super Mario and Lego. Credit: Danny's Warriors

Danny's family said they were "blown away" by the scale of the response after cards, gifts and donations came flooding in from around the world.

Multiple cars are filled with boxes of cards on a daily basis, and the family have even resorted to renting a truck to transport the volume of gifts.

Danny apparently 'couldn't stop smiling' as he collected his cards. Credit: Danny's Warriors
Danny was forced to leave Kindergarten after the diagnosis. Credit: Danny's Warriors

The six-year-old is suffering from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a tumour found at the base of the brain which is "highly aggressive and difficult to treat".

Under 10% of sufferers live beyond 18 months.

Describing the moment she was told of Danny's diagnosis, his mum said her "heart felt like it exploded" and that "their lives fell apart".

One well-wisher addressed this huge card to 'the coolest six-year-old'. Credit: Danny's Warriors
Nearly 100,000 cards have been sent to the six-year-old. Credit: Danny's Warriors
Danny opens one of the thousands of cards he has received from well-wishers. Credit: Danny's Warriors
The family has been left overwhelmed by the response. Credit: Danny's Warriors

Thanking well-wishers for their messages, the family wrote: "We are speechless and don't have enough words to explain how thankful we are for everyone of you! And all the love that you have shown us and continue to show us!"

The Danny's Warrior Facebook page now has over 45,660 likes on Facebook, while a fundraising page to raise money for the six-year-old's care has exceeded its $15,000 target.