Burgers and buns for brave Tipton schoolboy

Brave Thomas Griffiths, aged six, is calling on as many people as possible to get out in the garden this summer and light up the barbecue.

Cancer Research UK has launched a campaign aimed at getting families to host barbecues during July or to join in their Big BBQ Weekend on July 11 and 12.

Thomas was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2013 after complaining of sore legs.

Dad Richard, aged 32, of Brindlefields Way, said: "We just thought he'd pulled a muscle or twisted his knee at first. He was complaining about his legs hurting but when he started to limp I took him to Sandwell Hospital. They thought it was a virus to begin with but they did an x-ray which came back clear.

"We knew there had to be something more than a virus but we didn't expect it to be this."

Doctors kept Thomas in overnight for further tests and the following morning Richard and his wife Emma were given the devastating news that their son had leukaemia. Emma said: "You can't help but think the worst. We thought we were going to lose him.

"Thomas had to start chemotherapy at Birmingham Children's Hospital the next day so our feet didn't touch the ground."

The youngster, who attends Tividale Community Primary School, had to undergo six months of gruelling chemotherapy before switching to maintenance treatment, a less intense form of chemotherapy which will continue for another year.

Richard and Emma said what his family has been through in the past couple of years has made them determined to help others.

Richard, a sales assistant for a vehicle rental firm, said: "Thomas took it all in his stride, he was absolutely amazing. He's started school now.

"That's why we want to do our bit to help ensure other families stay together.We hope people join the barbecue campaign to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured."