Three generations diagnosed with cancer in the same month

Three generations of one family today spoke about their battle with cancer – after all being diagnosed with the disease in the same month.

Little William Raybould, of Cheslyn Hay, was diagnosed with a form of leukaemia in November last year aged just 21 months.

His parents Nikki and James were dealt the devastating blow just weeks after learning that William's grandmother Yvonne, from Aldridge, had breast cancer. And a week later, James was then also diagnosed with skin cancer.

But all three members of the determined family have been battling back and are now looking forward to Christmas together.

James, a 39-year-old transport supervisor, said: "We couldn't quite believe that three generations of us were being treated for cancer at the same time.

"I had an appointment to see a specialist but when William was diagnosed I decided not to go.

"In the end, I went along and was told it was a slow growing form of skin cancer and wouldn't spread as long as I had it removed. Compared to what we were going through with William it was nothing.

"We were really shocked when mum was told she had breast cancer about a month before William was diagnosed because it was her third cancer diagnosis. She'd had mouth cancer twice before and survived."

William lost his sight and use of his legs following his diagnosis, making last year's Christmas an awful experience for the family. But William can see again and is learning to walk again.

Nikki said: "We're incredibly proud of our little boy.

"His treatment has been really tough yet he's still had a smile for us. He's lost his hair three times and he faces another two years of chemotherapy treatment but we're hoping he's through the worst of it."

William's grandmother Yvonne had surgery to remove a lump and was able to look after William's sister Emma, 18-months-old, while James's brother and sister-in-law looked after brother George, 10. William has been given a Little Star award by Cancer Research.

* Cancer Research UK's Little Star awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, acknowledge the challenges faced by youngsters diagnosed with cancer.

Every child who is nominated receives the accolade.

As well as a trophy, William received a £50 TK Maxx gift card and certificates signed by celebrities including Leona Lewis, Tinie Tempah and Harry Potter star Rupert Grint.

The charity is calling on the public to nominate children as Little Stars.

Siblings of Little Stars also receive a special certificate in recognition of the support they give.

To nominate a Little Star or make a donation, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/littlestar

The awards are open to all under 18s who have cancer or have been treated for the disease in the last five years.