Family make 'precious moments' after beating cancer

Mariko said it was "amazing" to see Joshua starting school and learning to read

The mother of a five-year-old boy who beat cancer as a toddler says life can now be filled with "precious moments".

Joshua, from Harlow, Essex, underwent three different types of chemotherapy having been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in summer 2022.

He rung the end of treatment bell at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) last February having beaten the disease, which affects soft tissues.

"Every day I appreciate how Joshua can have a normal life," said his mother, Mariko.

Joshua was diagnosed with the rare cancer after a lump appeared on his eyelid and he later received treatment at GOSH.

"Two years ago, we didn’t know if we would be in this position with Joshua doing so well," Mariko added.

"It is amazing to be able to enjoy precious moments like Joshua starting school and learning to read."

Mariko said she was "forever grateful" for the care Joshua received

The mother and son have since pledged to take part in the Race for the Kids event at London's Hyde Park on 12 October.

Funds raised during the running event were due to go towards building a world-leading new children's cancer unit at GOSH.

The hospital, which treats the highest number of children with cancer in the UK, said medical advances had "outstripped" its existing facilities.

Mariko said she would be "forever grateful" for the life-saving care her son received.

"Raising money for GOSH Charity is our chance to show how much we appreciate everything it does," she added.