Hartlepool balloon release to remember an inspirational '˜super hero'

Lynne Hamilton, of Benmore Rad, Hartlepool, who has a son with cancer, is organising a balloon release in memory of Mason Campion who died recently.

Lynne Hamilton plans to hold a balloon release this Wednesday in memory of County Durham youngster Mason Campion who died earlier this month.

It will start at 7pm on Wednesday, July 13, at Seaton Park and Lynne, whose own son Stephen Trotter, 22, fought with cancer of the spine, said: “Mason was an inspiration. A little trooper and a lot of people had high thoughts of him. I always called him my little super hero.”

Lewis Hamilton meeting Mason Campion at Silverstone

Mason, of Hunwick near Bishop Auckland, touched the hearts of many Hartlepool people and Lynne is hoping lots of them will turn out to remember Mason.

She said: “I am doing it as a mark of respect for him and so far people have been amazing in saying they will support the balloon release. People can bring along any colour of balloon they want.”

Lynne described how she felt when she heard Mason, aged six, had lost his health battle.

“The news was heartbreaking and when I heard it, I was devastated.”

Pictured (left to right) are Kevin Hill, Mason Campion, Carol Campion and Andrew Campion.

Mason made the Hartlepool Mail headlines when he won the support of town charity Miles for Men.

The cause supported the brave youngster for years in his fight with cancer which he’d had since he was one year old.

And in one touching moment, the little boy touched the heart of motor racing superstar Lewis Hamilton when they met at Silverstone last year.

Lewis also signed Miles for Men T-shirts and later said of Mason on Instagram: “Today, I was visited by one of the most beautiful angels I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

“I cannot begin to express my feelings except to say he is the highlight of my year. This little boy is my hero.”

Like Mason, Lynne’s own son Stephen was diagnosed with cancer and needed both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. He faced a fight with cancer of the spine which left him paralysed from the waist down.

He is due to return to the Freeman Hospital on Friday this week with Lynne hoping doctors can confirm he is still winning his battle, although it will be another four years before he gets the all clear.