Hartlepool schoolboy winning cancer battle nominated for top award

Sam Dixon has spent the last nine months of his life battling his way back to health after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia last year.

The youngster from Hart Village has undergone three rounds of chemotherapy and in February was given the lifeline he needed when a 17-year-old was revealed as a match to enable him to have a bone marrow transplant.

Following treatment he spent almost four months in isolation due to his weak immune system.

But while he is in remission, complications with his health means he still continues to receive treatment twice a week and remains in semi-isolation.

His determination and courage shown throughout his cancer battle touched the heart of CLIC Sargent social worker Kirsten Ellis who nominated him for a bravery award.

Tonight, the Hart Primary school pupil will attend a ceremony organised by Bravehearts of the North East taking place at St James’ Park where he will be presented with the accolade and a gift of his choice up to the value of £500.

His mum Amy said: “We are all so, so proud of him and the bravery he has shown. He has been in hospital for most of the nine months and in isolation, but he just deals with everything with such dignity - he is amazing.

“For his bravery to be recognised by someone who sees children battling with cancer day in day out, is so special. We know every child is brave when they are battling cancer, but Sam really has been through the mill with the various complications, it’s just nice he has been recognised for how extremely brave he has been throughout it all.”

Sam was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia last November and was treated at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Hospital where he remains an out-patient.

Earlier this year, he underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant after a donor was found.

His mum added: “None of Sam’s siblings were a match so we had to turn to the donor register where a 17-year-old boy was identified as a match.

“To think someone of that age has gone and put himself on the donor register is amazing - he has saved Sam’s life. It really shows how important it is for people to join the donor register.”

To register and for more information visit www.dkms.org.uk