A 15-YEAR-OLD rugby ace who is battling leukaemia for the second time has had his spirits lifted by his brothers and sports playing mates.
Harvey Jones, from Newton-le-Willows, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, in June 2018.
After four rounds of chemotherapy the Hope Academy rang the bell at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in January 2019, meaning he had finished his treatment and had gone into remission.
Kian, Tyler and Harvey
However, "just as life was getting back to normal", the family-of-five were told he had suffered a relapse in May.
They had only been on holiday abroad for one day when they got the news that Harvey's leukaemia had returned.
He needs to have a bone marrow transplant.
His brothers Kian, 14 and Tyler, 18, felt helpless, and wanted to do something to show Harvey he is not alone.
Their proud mum Lindsay Ward, 41, said: "Everything was just getting back to normal. Then all of a sudden we got that phone call in May and had to fly home straight away.
"Harvey is going to need a bone marrow transplant and luckily after us all being tested, Kian, his younger brother is a match, so he will donate his marrow to his brother and save his life next month.
"Kian knows that he won't be able to see much of Harvey so put a post on social media saying that he and his friends were going to shave their heads to support Harvey. Their older brother Tyler has joined in and his friends did too."
More than 20 boys shaved their heads for Harvey
On Sunday, July 7, more than 20 teenagers all got together at Newton Sports Club for a group head shave. They are all three boys' friends and many play for Clock Face (Harvey's team before he was poorly) and Newton Storm Rugby League Club.
They raised £2,500 which will go to various charities who have supported the family during Harvey's treatment.
Lindsay, added: "Since Harvey's diagnosis my focus had been on him, but I cannot tell you how proud I am of all three of them.
"Kian knew that Harvey had no choice in losing his hair so he would get his head shaved, and Tyler and all of their mates got involved too.
"It's just so overwhelming and we can't as a family thank people enough.
"The response was just phenomenal.
"I am very, very proud, we are a close family, but for Kian and Tyler to go above and beyond for their brother has made me an extremely proud mum."
The family are also looking to raise awareness of donation, such as blood and bone marrow.
Fortunately for them Kian was a match, but many families who are not as lucky, rely on donations from kind-hearted people across the UK to save their lives.
To find out more go to nhsbt.nhs.uk/british-bone-marrow-registry/how-can-i-help/
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