A FIVE-year-old boy who beat cancer proved he was a real lion at London Zoo where he earned a Blue Peter badge for his courage amongst a jungle of celebrities.
Jay Hilson, from Fauldhouse, played a starring role at a special party held to salute the bravery of
children coping with the disease.
The youngster mixed with a host of celebrities including X Factor finalist Stacey Solomon, former EastEnders star Kara Tointon and Blue Peter presenters Konnie Huq and Andy Akinwolere as a guest of honour at the Little Star Awards party, held by Cancer Research UK and TK Maxx.
Jay was just one when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in April 2006 and was one of 22 children from across the UK chosen to be ambassadors for the awards.
The plucky school kid has since made a great recovery and his grateful mum Lisa, 25, counts her blessings for the support she received from the charity in the dark days.
She said: "We had a great time at the party. It really put a smile on his face. Jay's been in remission now for three years and I know how lucky we are.
"I will never forget the care, attention and support we received at the darkest time of our lives. And I'll never be able to thank all the doctors, nurses and helpers enough."
After the fun and entertainment, Jay and his family enjoyed an afternoon at the zoo. The event was organised to help raise awareness of the charity's groundbreaking work in the field of childhood cancer research.
Jay was diagnosed with leukaemia on Good Friday four years ago, shortly after his first birthday, and he was rushed to the Sick Kids hospital in Edinburgh where he spent ten days in intensive care.
This was followed by seven months of treatment including gruelling chemotherapy and surgery, but he is now looking forward to taking his place at Falla Hill Primary School this summer.
Doug Mizzi, TK Maxx managing director, said: "It is incredibly important to us to raise funds and support the work of Cancer Research UK, as well as recognise the courage of all children diagnosed with cancer and the advances being made in research and treatment.
"The Little Star Awards do just that and we are proud to support such a positive initiative."
Seven out of ten youngsters with cancer are now successfully treated in the UK, compared with fewer than three in the 1960s.
Cancer is the most common cause of death from illness in children aged between one and 14. Each year, around 1,500 children in Britain are diagnosed with the disease – equivalent to one in every 500.
