Just a few months ago, 13-year-old James Tharle was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare bone cancer. 

His life and his family’s were immediately turned upside down. 

James started a gruelling chemotherapy regime and now spends 95 per cent of his time in the Royal Children’s Hospital. 

His mother, Rachael, gave up her job in teaching to be by his side. 

Speaking to Neil Mitchell while James was in surgery, Rachael said the family were facing extreme hardship. 

The operation involves removing cancer from his leg and replacing his bone and knee with a prosthetic leg.

However, the leg is from overseas and costs roughly $70,000 – and it isn’t listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule.

Rachael told Neil Mitchell she has no idea who will foot the bill.

But she said her local community in Cranbourne had helped to support and care for her family.

LISTEN: Rachael tells her heart breaking story

The Tharle family have set up a Go Fund Me page to help pay for James’ immediate medical costs.

Click here to find out more or donate.