Brave Lewis' cancer charity fun run for Candlelighters

Nine-year-old Lewis Batey took part in a 1.5km ‘fun run’ to raise money for children’s cancer charity Candlelighters.

Lewis, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2015, is learning to walk again after he was left needing a wheelchair due to complications following early rounds of treatment.

But he pushed himself to walk, and even run, parts of the Temple Newsam bunny hop last month, and was all smiles when he crossed the finish line.

His mum Michele Wilson said: “He said he wanted to do the hop to raise some money. Candlelighter’s have a house on the square outside Leeds General Infirmary and they have given him counselling for his phobia of needles and his fears around his cancer.

“He goes over there and they give him a hot chocolate and marshmallows and support him. It’s a great place to go.

“They offer lots of support for children and families. Lewis wanted to give something back and help other children get the support he has.”

Lewis, who attends Normanton Common Primary Academy was diagnosed with cancer in November 2015, just days before his 7th birthday.

His journey since diagnosis has been turbulent - as well as complications with his legs, in November 2016, Lewis suffered a further setback after developing pneumonia.

He is now on his last cycle of chemotherapy until March 2019 and has been learning to walk again.

Ms Wilson said: “It’s been a struggle to get Lewis walking again and he has had constant physio and still wears a splint.

“Lewis does not have much muscle strength but a smile and inner determination, he has always.

“I am so proud of him. He really enjoyed the bunny hop.

“He set off running when he got towards the finish line and everyone cheered him on and made it a big deal for him.

“He did really well and was just smiling about it.

“He has been so strong through everything, he is a true star.”

Lewis raised more than £500 to help children with cancer and their families.