Burnley teen's joy as he rings bell at end of cancer treatment

A boy who raised thousands of pounds for charity while being treated for cancer was joined by his best friend to "ring the bell".

Hughie, 13, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2020.

His best friend Freddie held the bell at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital as Hughie rang it to mark the end of treatment.

Hughie said: "It's been a long journey, but with more highs than lows."

Freddie was by Hughie's side throughout his treatment, and helped him to achieve his fundraising goals.

The pair, who were named Young Fundraisers of the Year at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2021, have raised more than £250,000 for the hospital.

It started when Hughie, a Burnley FC fan, signed up to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital fundraising walk to show his appreciation to the doctors and nurses who cared for him.

When he was too ill to take part, Freddie, 12, took up the challenge.

'So relieved'

Freddie told BBC News: "It was tough to see what he had to go through, but that's why I wanted to do something.

"I didn't do anything as hard as what he had to go through."

Hughie and Freddie were joined by Burnley FC's Jack Cork, Josh Brownhill and club president Stuart Hunt for the bell-ringing occasion.

Afterwards, Hughie - who was told in November last year that his test results showed he was clear of leukaemia - cried as he shared a hug with his family.

"I'm so relieved and so happy that it's all done," he said.

Hughie's father, Keiron, said: "That was special. The moment we've been waiting for for three-and-a-half years, over a thousand days.

"We as a family cannot thank this hospital enough for what they've done."

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