THERE will be five candles on Ethan Connolly’s birthday cake today as he celebrates 1,826 days of life!

Ethan has a lymphatic malformation that causes cysts to grow around his jaw, throat and eyes, and he has had numerous operations to correct them.

Two years ago the Warrington Guardian featured his story and since then fundraisers across the town have donated more than £100,000 for his operations, as he isn’t eligible for NHS treatment until he’s older.

“He’s come on so much,” said mum Karen. “He’s doing so well and his confidence is growing.”

At his parents’ evening at St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School last week his teacher was singing his praises, and told how popular he is in his class.

On Saturday Ethan, of Well Lane, Penketh, will have a birthday party with his friends after a special birthday with his family tonight.