A brave toddler who was diagnosed with cancer two days before his second birthday has been recognised with a special award from Cancer Research UK.
Connor Grant from Caerphilly was diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on April 20, last year.
His mum, Tracy, first noticed something was wrong when Connor kept getting recurring ear and chest infections.
“From six months old he had infection after infection,” said Tracy.
Doctors became concerned after Connor developed a rash and bruises on his body.
Tracy, 38, said: “He had been playing with his sister and I spotted two bruises on the back of his legs. He also had a rash which I thought was a heat rash at the time.
“He deteriorated, and the doctor thought he had sepsis.”
Connor was immediately sent to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport for further tests.
“When we found out he had cancer, I felt like my whole world had crumbled down,” said Tracy.
“I never in a million years thought it would happen to us.”
Two-year-old Connor had an emergency blood transfusion at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff before starting chemotherapy.
He started the ‘maintenance’ stage of his treatment just before Christmas.
“He won’t finish treatment until June 2021,” said Tracy.
“He amazes us every day and even takes his own chemotherapy medication which is remarkable as he’s only two.”
She added: “He has been so brave throughout it all. He is my little warrior and we couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Now, for the courage Connor has shown throughout his treatment, he has received a Star Award from Cancer Research UK’s Kids and Teens campaign.
Connor also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card and a certificate signed by the celebrities backing the charity’s campaign.
His older sisters Leah, 12, and Sara, five, also received a certificate.
Around 95 children are diagnosed with cancer in Wales every year.
Ruth Amies, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens in Wales, said: “Connor is a real star – it has been an absolute privilege to be able to recognise his courage by giving him a Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Star Award.
“He has been through so much at such a young age.
“Cancer can have a devastating impact on children and young people and many of those who survive may live with serious long-term side effects from their treatment.”