Brave young Flintshire boy shows his strength whilst battling cancer

Aaron Wharton, 4, was diagnosed with a tumour on the back of his brain earlier this year.

His nursery, Little Stars in Deeside, is now raising awareness of the illness and funds for the young boy who had been so excited to start school this September.

Ellen Lloyd-Wilson said: “As an owner of a nursery for 25 years, I had never heard of the tumour that he has and the main thing for us was we wanted to raise that awareness.

"We also wanted to recognise and show our appreciation for the parents who have supported Aaron and his family and a well done to Aaron.

"He was fine one minute and then seriously ill the next."

The nursery shared Aaron's story in their website in the hopes of raising awareness.

Ellen said: "Aaron, and his parents Nicola and Lee have been through a terrible time and we want them to know we are all here supporting them through it keeping them in our thoughts.

“Aaron’s Little Stars family have organised a fundraising idea to show we are thinking of them and how much we care by creating knitted rainbows to share throughout the community to wear as badges, display in our homes or windows, hang in our cars or simply as a keepsake.

“At the same time, we are asking for a donation where all the money will be sent to Aaron and his family.

“Please help and join us by making a donation for a rainbow, no matter how small. Every single penny will make a difference. All the funds raised will go straight to Aaron and his family for extra costs they have through travel, and other essentials and anything Aaron may need to cheer him up.”

Over Easter, Aaron’s parents noticed that when he was trying to smile, his face was lopsided and the left side would remain expressionless where his right would try and form a smile.

However, his condition deteriorated and he became more ill and distressed. After several hospital appointments, the 4-year-old was soon diagnosed with Bells Palsy but returned to hospital after further deterioration.

An MRI scan showed a tumour at the back or Aaron’s brain and was referred for surgery at Alder Hey Hospital.

After the 10-hour operation, Aaron unfortunately had further setbacks and the results of the tumour was confirmed as Ependymoma, which is a rare form of cancer.

The young Flintshire boy has since experienced 'set back after set back' with the family facing many 'tough decisions' and challenges, but continue to remain strong.

Ellen added that in April this year, Aaron unfortunately developed a chest infection – however Covid-19 results came back as negative.

Throughout the last few months, Aaron had to have further tests and radiotherapy but continued to show his strength - despite the uncertainty over success rate.

In June, Aaron remained on antibiotics for and had further issues with spinal fluid and it was hoped this would be cleared before his radiotherapy on June 15.

On June 11, the family received the news that the previous infection had gone and Aaron could continue treatment at home before starting his treatment at the Christie in Manchester and on June 15, his first round of treatment went ‘really well’.

Ellen said “Aaron’s parents have been by each other’s sides supporting each other through this nightmare. Your support messages and thoughts means a lot to them. With decisions to be made that no parent should have to face.

“They seem to be getting a lot of bumps along the way, but please continue to send your love, thoughts and prayers their way. Our support and words of encouragement mean a lot to the family. Aaron’s parents said they feel very fortunate to have all our amazing support. Keep sharing your pictures of your knitted rainbows with “hugs, kisses and rainbow wishes” for Aaron.

"With all your support to Aaron’s fundraising “hugs, kisses and rainbow wishes” we have raised nearly £700, with generous donations for the rainbows, lovingly knitted by Sandra, Pauline and Abi. Thank you.

"We have been working with Nicola and Julie from Precious Angelic, on a new fundraising idea. Precious Angelic designs quality homemade jewellery and has recently supported Chester Zoo and Deeside Gymnastics with their fundraising. Julie has designed a personalised rainbow themed bracelet with 20% of each purchase being donated to Aaron’s “hugs, kisses and rainbow wishes” funds. If you would like to purchase a bracelet please visit their Facebook/Instagram/website page. Once again many thanks for your support.”

Aaron's full story and the challenges he has been facing can be found online at https://www.littlestarsdeeside.com/news/aaron-s-story/.

Mum Nicola added “The staff at Alder Hey have been more than outstanding in their care for Aaron. I'm sure they will miss him causing mischief on the ward.

“The next step in Aaron's journey begins on Monday with his first treatment of radiotherapy. Thank you to you all for all your kind messages. We cant tell you how much they have meant to us.”