A little boy who had the support of Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds as he battled cancer has finally been given the all clear. Six-year-old Leland was diagnosed with MDS cancer, a blood cancer that can turn into leukaemia, in September 2022.
He has been through an extensive treatment programme including chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, which saw him in isolation in his own room at the Great North Children's Hospital for four months before he was able to return home on Friday.
Leland's mum Sarah has spoken of her relief to have her son back home, as well as praising the doctors, nurses and specialist staff who supported Leland on his journey. She told ChronicleLive: "It's been a long, hard journey to get to this point.
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"It's been very emotional and overwhelming but there's a sense of relief that he's been given the all clear from his cancer. You sit in that room, isolated, and every little noise, every little beep of a buzzer makes you panic.
"But the staff at the RVI and particularly ward three, the bone marrow ward, have been phenomenal. They come in, they put you at ease, they explain everything to you fully.
"They're specialists in their field and they're able to explain every little step to you quite fully which has been a massive help because as a parent you have a thousand questions. You just want to know that your child is on the right path."
His family were devastated when they learned none of them were a match to provide bone marrow needed. However, an unlikely show of support came from Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds, who shared Leland's story to his 20+ million followers on Twitter.
And on Friday, mam Sarah shared the news that Leland had rang the bell at the RVI to signal he is cancer free.
She wrote: "Today's the day that Leland got to ring that bell. His transplant is complete & onto his next journey, recovery & staying healthy.
"I can't thank Ward 3 BMT @GreatNorthCH (at the Great North Children's Hospital) enough for fantastic care and treatment, @AnthonyNolan for finding that match, & everyone who has supported him."
The connection between Leland and the Deadpool star arose when Leland had been asked to be a mascot for his local team Blyth Spartans during their match against Wrexham FC, which is part-owned by Reynolds. Reynolds shared the video of Leland ringing the bell at the Great North Children's Hospital with the caption: "Today is a good day", on Friday night.
Leland's family responded on Twitter through the Leland's fight account saying: "I can't thank @VancityReynolds (Ryan Reynolds) enough you have been Leland's biggest supporter. Your encouragement for people to register as donors has been amazing. You have a best friend for life in Leland and he can't wait to meet you and cheer on @Wrexham_AFC when he is fully recovered.
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