A BRAVE schoolboy who has just finished treatment for leukaemia has been recognised for the courage he showed during treatment.
Six-year-old Rhys Jones, a pupil at Treowen Primary School, was diagnosed with leukaemia in June 2011 and spent much of last year receiving chemotherapy treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Rhys, who is now looking forward to returning to school, was this week presented with a special star-shaped silver trophy from Cancer Research UK for the bravery he showed throughout his cancer treatment.
Cancer Research UK’s Little Star Awards acknowledge the unique challenges faced by youngsters who encounter cancer and raise vital funds for research into the disease.
Mum Lisa said: “All through his treatment he has been so brave and still full of smiles. We are all so proud of him.
“He went into hospital quite shy and withdrawn and after a few weeks he turned into one of the loudest little children on the ward. He is so full of beans and personality and as loving and caring as he has always been.”
Rhys had been poorly for a while and despite numerous visits to the GP, with what appeared to be an ear infection and tonsillitis, he continued to lose weight and looked very pale.
Lisa recalled: “He had been quite poorly last year. He would go back to school and then the next day have to stay off due to what appeared to be an ear infection.
“But one day the left side of his face had dropped – it almost looked as though he had a stroke – by the time my husband Dean had taken him to the doctor’s – his face was back to normal.
“But a few days later it happened again and when we went to the doctor on call, we were sent immediately to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
“The paediatric team knew straight away it was cancer of the blood and the very next day we were sent to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”
On top of all of this Lisa had been expecting twins and had given birth three-and-a- half months earlier in March.
“We lost our little daughter Lillie Mai but Leighton was still in neonatal in Shrewsbury while Rhys was first in Birmingham Children’s Hospital. My husband, Dean, had to go home to look after the baby while I stayed in with Rhys.”
Thanks to all her family and friends close by, Lisa and Dean were able to get through such a very difficult and emotional time and have thanked all of them for their support and help.
Rhys underwent four cycles of chemotherapy, each time spending weeks in hospital and a short period of time at home, before going back into hospital.
Rhys’ four brothers, Jordan, 16, Jake, 13, Evan, four, and baby Leighton, who is now eight months old, have been making sure their brother is kept busy playing games and having fun.
Rhys is now in remission and is looking forward to a very happy 2012.
As well as the trophy, Rhys also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card and certificate signed by celebrities including pop sensation Leona Lewis, rapper Tinie Tempah, sporting heroes Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis as well as Harry Potter star Rupert Grint.
Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Wales, said: “Rhys is a true ‘Little Star’ who richly deserves this accolade. We hope to acknowledge the bravery of many more children like Rhys across Wales and are encouraging family and friends to get nominating now.”
Cancer Research UK’s pioneering research on childhood leukaemia has helped doctors tailor treatments to improve survival for thousands of children.
Now the charity is calling on the public to show their support for children with the disease by nominating a Little Star or donating to help more children survive.
To donate and help Cancer Research UK you can go online at www.cancerresearchuk.org/littlestar or text ‘STAR58 £5’ to 70070 to donate £5 from your phone bill.
Text donations are free from any network and 100 per cent of the donation will go to Cancer Research UK.