Ruddi Waterworth-Jones set for life-changing journey

Dec 5 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

YOUNG cancer sufferer Ruddi Waterworth-Jones sets off tomorrow on the trip that could change his life.

The one-year-old will travel with his family to the USA for the state-of-the-art treatment that should give him the permanent all-clear.

Ruddi, of Longwood, will board a plane at Manchester for Jacksonville, Florida, with mum Ali Jones, dad Craig Waterworth-Jones and sister Ellys.

Ali, 38, said: “I’m petrified, to be honest. We are going a long way, we’ll be away for Christmas and we don’t know what to expect. But it’s the best thing for Ruddi, so we know we have to do it.”

Ruddi was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma – a rare form of cancer of the soft tissue on the prostate – when he was just six months old.

He had to have an operation in September to remove his bladder and prostate. The tumour on his prostate was successfully removed, but doctors still have concerns about two areas near his bowel where the cancer has a higher risk of returning.

He could have standard radiotherapy, but that would affect the growth of his pelvis and his ability to walk.