Holmbridge's Mr Amazing: 11-year-old George Jackson's leukaemia fight

Mar 26 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

George Jackson and mum Caroline

IT’S a small thing but a remarkable milestone.

The growth of new hair marks the end of a heartbreaking journey for George Jackson and his family.

The sporty 11-year-old – nicknamed Mr Amazing – was playing cricket in Holmbridge with his friends last June when he was called off the pitch and told he was suffering from leukaemia and needed urgent hospital treatment.

Now, after months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a life-saving bone marrow transplant, the battle is almost over for the Hinchliffe Mill Junior and Infant School pupil.

And his bravery and courage have even inspired his next-door neighbour Charles Crossland to tackle the London Marathon next month for the Candlelighters charity that helped George through his illness.

Mum Caroline, of Laithe Bank Drive, said: “George has been brilliant through it all. He has been so brave and has faced all his treatments with a smile.

“He has never complained at all. We call him Mr Amazing.”

George was only ten when he developed a rash and unexplained bruising on his body.

Blood tests revealed he was suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia – which is 92% treatable.

He was immediately admitted to St James’s Hospital in Leeds for a month of chemotherapy.

But due to complications, medics said a bone marrow transplant would offer him the best chance of survival.

No-one in George’s family – including dad Nick or brother Harry – was a suitable donor and there were no matches found on the UK’s bone marrow register.

Eventually, stem cells from a London baby’s cord blood were used to give George a fighting chance.

The transplant was carried out on December 19, 2009, using just 26mls of blood in a tiny cartridge.

George had to spend Christmas, New Year and his 11th birthday recovering in isolation.

And it was during that time when support from childhood cancer charity Candlelighters was so important.

George really appreciated the team of playworkers and equipment, funded by the charity.

He said: “The chemotherapy made me feel sick and very tired. I couldn’t eat either. It was nice when the playworkers brought me something to do each day, like crafts or computer games.”

Kind-hearted members of Holmbridge Cricket Club – where George and his brother Harry are players – also made sure the pair could keep in touch by giving them a laptop computer each.

Caroline added: “Everyone has been so kind. We really appreciate it. George could unwrap his presents via the webcam on Christmas Day so his dad and brother could see him.