LITTLE Freddy Barker has been described as a “one off” by his family who are constantly amazed by his strength of character in his two year battle against leukaemia.

Not one to miss out the five year old even insisted on taking his version of the ice bucket challenge.

Mum Jayne, 37, from Haydock, told the Star: “His brother Callum had been nominated for the ice bucket challenge with his sister and his godmother did it - so he wanted to do it.

“Obviously we can’t pour cold water over him so we adapted it.”

She described her youngest son as “boisterous, very strong minded and determined” adding: “He has a very strong character which has gone in his favour when he’s gone up against cancer. He wasn’t going to take it lying down even though he has had a lot of chemo.”

A pupil at Legh Vale, Freddy is also an ambassador for Alder Hey Hospital where he receives most of his treatment. He was invited along to the completion of the latest building phase at the hospital with his hand print embedded in concrete in a commemorative plaque.

Jayne who is a mother-of-four said that even slight infections can prove potentially dangerous.

She added: “A lot of children have Parvovirus without it being an issue but Fred had to have four blood transfusions.

“That knocked the stuffing out of him. Generally things are up and down but at the moment he’s on a three week break from treatment because his blood count is too low and his little body needs a break.

“You would never guess he had it if you met him although there are things he can’t do such as even playing in a sand pit. But he knows eventually he will be able to."

Jayne, who is Freddy's main carer, and husband Keith, 35, who is a sports co-ordinator, joined with other family members to raise around £14,000 for Alder Hey through a number of events including sky diving and sponsored runs.

In his role as ambassador Freddy has met Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard twice and former striker Robbie Fowler. He was also introduced the jockeys at Aintree race course.

“Freddy thinks he’s the famous one and Steven Gerrard is lucky to have met him,” joked his mum.