THE family of a seven-year-old boy with a rare cancer is appealing for donations to help make this Christmas one to remember.

Ronnie Thorne, a pupil at Beech Grove Primary School, Wellington, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia on November 17.

Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a rare type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and white blood cells.

Within South West hospitals, Ronnie is the first child in five years to be diagnosed with this specific type of cancer as it is typically found in patients over 65.

He will have this condition for life.

Ronnie’s mother, Rebecca Martin noticed something was “off” when Ronnie suddenly started to lose weight earlier this year.

She took him to see multiple doctors for x-rays and ultrasounds but was told nothing seemed to be amiss.

That was until Ronnie started vomiting blood on November 17.

Rebecca, from Rockwell Green, said: “We took him to Musgrove Park Hospital straight away and within two hours we were told that he had blood cancer.

“I fell to the floor and felt physically sick. You can not put into words how devastating it is to hear those words as a mother.”

“But then I stopped crying and went into mum mode because I had to put on a brave face for Ronnie.”

The seven-year-old was then taken to Bristol Hospital were he underwent surgery to insert a PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) line and to take samples from his stomach, of his bone marrow and skin.

“It really hit me when he was in hospital in Bristol. It was awful seeing him with all the needles and nurses having to care for him.”

Since leaving hospital in Bristol, Ronnie has been receiving chemotherapy every day at home, which will continue for at least another six months.

“These past few weeks have been life changing and shattering. Ronnie remains extremely vulnerable and as a family we have had to adjust to a completely new normal.”

In his newly made up bedroom in the downstairs living room, Ronnie is still his old cheeky self and is determined to catch Father Christmas when he comes to deliver his presents.

But the change has also brought a financial strain on the family who, with the help of family friend Mandie Huggett, have launched a GoFundMe page to help with the ever growing costs.

“With Christmas coming up I have not even had a chance to think about gifts for the kids, which is another stress on top of everything. We want to make the most of what we have while we have it and make sure Ronnie’s four siblings make great memories with him.”

Rebecca explained that due to Ronnie’s vigorous care schedule, she has had to spend hundreds of pounds on cleaning supplies, new blankets and medical equipment such as thermometers.

To donate to Ronnie's family, visit: gofund.me/fc749239a

To buy a gift for Ronnie from his Amazon wishlist, visit: www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/3EX249CS348JL