Ten-year-old Ciaran Bailey from Eccles has received a Star Award from Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens for his courage in facing cancer.
Young Ciaran, who lives in Ellesmere Park, has spent the last year fighting acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer which affects the white blood cells in the body.
He was picked by Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens after being nominated by mum Tracey Bailey.
One Direction fan Ciaran, who loves everything sensory – from singing to swimming – already lives with complex needs including epilepsy and chronic lung disease and cannot walk or talk.
Tracey said: “Ciaran really likes his Star trophy. He’s really into sensory things and as it’s reflective so he likes seeing his face in it!”
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is the most common type of leukaemia in children, with around 380 cases diagnosed each year in Britain.
Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens spokesperson for Greater Manchester, said: “Ciaran is a true ‘star’ who richly deserves this accolade.
“It is a privilege to be able to recognise the courage of youngsters like Ciaran. We hope to acknowledge the bravery of many more children across Greater Manchester and are encouraging family and friends to get nominating now.”
Mum Tracey first became concerned when Ciaran developed purple spots on his legs late in 2014. Ciaran had a blood test but nothing was found and the spots went away.
However a few weeks later the spots came back along with a big bruise and then Ciaran collapsed at school.
Further tests at Salford Royal Hospital found Ciaran had leukaemia and he was transferred to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where he has been treated with chemotherapy.
Tracey said: “It was absolutely horrendous being told Ciaran had cancer on top of everything else he has been through.
“He lost his hair during his treatment and it felt like people were staring at him so I decided to shave my head as well so that people could stare at me instead!”
Tracey added: “Ciaran has complex needs including epilepsy, chronic lung disease, central sleep apnea – a disorder where his breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep – and gastric reflux. He can require oxygen when asleep. In spite of all the things he has to deal with he is an amazing happy boy who is always smiling.
“Ciaran really is my super star. I wouldn’t have him any other way. He gets us all through it by being so happy and bouncing around. We are very, very close.
“He adores his big sister Eleanor an it was really nice that she got a certificate too because caring for a child with cancer affects the whole family.”
Now the charity is calling on the public to show their support for children with the disease by nominating a child for a Kids & Teens Star Award or helping to boost funds for research to beat children’s cancers sooner.
Head to the Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens website to nominate a child, donate or fundraise.
Main image: Ciaran celebrates his star with big sister Eleanor
