Jay becomes a cartoon hero to take on cancer

Published on Thursday 2 December 2010 10:55

A FIVE-year-old who beat leukaemia has become the star of a nationwide fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK - as a cartoon character.

Jay Hilson, from Fauldhouse, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia two weeks after his first birthday, but fought his way back to health with the help of staff at the Sick Kids hospital.

Now a cartoon of the youngster is appearing on posters in Cancer Research shops all over the country, in the charity's Christmas catalogue, and online.

The Falla Hill primary pupil spent months in the Sick Kids hospital after being diagnosed. His mother, Lisa, 26, said: "Jay began getting lots of infections, went off his food and looked really unwell. I took him straight to the hospital where they took a sample of his bone marrow and confirmed that he was gravely ill with leukaemia."

Jay was transferred straight to intensive care, where he was put on a life support machine and his mother started a vigil by his bedside.

"I thought I was going to lose him then," she said. "I spent the whole night beside his cot and was prepared for the worst. But thankfully the next day he started to get better."

Nine days later, Jay began chemotherapy and then had to undergo emergency surgery after he developed bleeding between his skull and his brain. He spent seven months in hospital, but is now in remission.

The family is doing all they can to boost the charity's Shop to Beat Cancer campaign in the approach to Christmas.

Jay said: "I hope lots of people see the cartoon of me in the catalogue and buy lots of nice things. It is good that my cancer has gone and I hope it doesn't come back again."

John Fyall, Cancer Research UK's spokesman for Scotland, said: "It's great to see Jay's cartoon appearing in the posters.

"This year we used illustrations in our Christmas campaign to bring to life the impact of our work. The characters represent real-life cancer survivors. Our Christmas catalogue is not only a great way to look at some fantastic gift ideas, but also celebrates the ultimate gift - the gift of life."

It is not the first time the family have used their experiences to support the charity.

In April they backed its Give Up Clothes for Good campaign which called for people to donate clothes to its shops.

The following month, Jay was awarded a Blue Peter badge for his courage at a special party held at London Zoo, where he met Blue Peter presenters Konnie Huq and Andy Akinwolere.

For more information on the campaign see www.shoptobeatcancer.org.uk.

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