A BRAVE boy of five poses with his family in matching PJs to celebrate his first Christmas since beating a rare cancer.
Niko Bolke-Carver bravely battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia after being diagnosed with the rare blood and bone marrow disease in February 2022.
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Specialists feared he wouldn’t live to see another day as he was given Calpol and antibiotics when symptoms were mistaken for a fever and an ear infection.
Niko’s mum Katie, 34, said: “I took him to our local A and E department and it was a seven-hour wait to see a doctor.
“It was lucky I did, as when they did blood tests and he was diagnosed with leukaemia they told me he wouldn’t have lasted another 24 hours. It was terrifying.”
The youngster was transferred to London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital where he developed ulcers and lost his hair through gruelling chemotherapy.
But he emotionally rang the special bell marking the end of his intensive treatment in June before going back to school in September while in remission.
His mum credited hundreds of strangers who sent letters, cards and gifts through charity Post Pals for helping Niko power through the draining chemo.
Early years teacher Katie, who lives in Colchester, Essex, with husband Timo, 37, and seven-year-old daughter Nina, added: “We’re going to have a wonderful Christmas this year.
“Having Niko cancer-free is the best Christmas present we could ask for.
“We can’t thank all those strangers who got him through his treatment enough – they have helped save his life.”
