A Scots mum was left horrified after a lump on her son's neck was diagnosed as a rare tumour.
Aiden, 10, from West Lothian, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2019.
After he discovered the lump, and had multiple scans and X-rays, it was confirmed the next week that he had the life-changing illness and that treatment had to be started as soon as possible.
The schoolboy had to undergo gruelling chemotherapy to shrink the tumour and has faced a long battle against the illness.
Now his parents have opened up on the nightmare ordeal of watching their little boy fight his cancer.
Graham and Michelle, aged 35 and 37, said: "Having a child with cancer and watching them undergo chemotherapy at such a young age changes you as a person: it brings with it emotions of fear, anger, guilt and sadness.
"All you wish is for your child to be happy and healthy, and when that’s suddenly taken from them it can be hard to live a "normal" life."
After another bout of stronger treatment following the return of the tumour, Aiden is now living a year without treatment, but still suffers every day from the side effects from such a heavy diagnosis.
Aiden's body tires really quickly and he subsequently loses the strength in his legs.
He still requires routine scans and check-ups, but his family are living in constant fear of what the future may throw at them.
Graham and Michelle added: "Every cold, ache, pain or lump brings the fear that his cancer has returned, which I suppose is our new normal."
After Aiden's initial treatment in 2019, and due to his ill health and the travel restrictions surrounding Covid, a special trip to Disneyland, which had been arranged by charity Make-A-Wish, had to be cancelled.
Instead he was gifted an X-Box X series to ensure he could game like any other ten year-old, reports Edinburgh Live.
Make-A-Wish is now issuing a rallying cry this week for help in providing special moments and gifts for ill children in Scotland.
The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the charity hard, reducing around 40% of their income across 2020/21 and leaving 2000 children with their wishes still to be granted.
Additionally, as the restrictions have been lifted, the charity has received more referrals for priority wishes.
Jason Suckley, CEO, Make-A-Wish UK, said: "Aiden’s story shows that wishes have the power to change lives and bring light to children and families at the most devastating of times.
"With more than 60,000 children across the country and 4,825 in Scotland eligible for a wish, we desperately need donations now to make those wishes come true.
"The campaign launched this week is the biggest we have ever embarked on as a charity.
"We hope that together with communities across Scotland, we can grant these powerful and essential wishes.
"It was heart-breaking when we had to shut referrals over lockdown and we never want to be in a position where we have to say no to a family and their child again.
"We urge everyone who can to get involved and help us achieve our vision of granting a wish for every eligible child."
Make-A-Wish requires volunteers, supporters and donors to be able to provide happiness during the most traumatic of times.
