FOUR-YEAR-OLD cancer survivor Raymond Carr is “thriving” after moving from Wellington to a new school on the edge of West Somerset.
Having suffered from a rare childhood cancer, Raymond is now enjoying his time at his new school after two years at Waterloo Road Community Pre-school, in Wellington.
Ray was diagnosed with rhabdoid tumour of the liver when he was just 17 months old and he underwent 11 months of treatment at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
He is now attending Kingston St Mary Church of England Primary School, near Taunton on the edge of the Quantock Hills, “which he absolutely loves”, said his mother, Bonnie Upham.
She said: “He has just started school in Taunton which he absolutely loves, something I thought I’d never see. He really did enjoy his time at Waterloo Pre-school in Wellington over the last two years
“He is absolutely loving life just like any other boy would. He still absolutely loves farm life and the outdoors. He really is my true hero - he’s thriving.
“Ray continues to have three-monthly scans and X-rays and sees the consultant and will continue to for the next two years as it was such an aggressive cancer and could sadly return at any point.
“He has now been in remission for two years, but I can’t wait for the day they say cancer free.”
Ray recently had the opportunity to meet Ashley Cain, TV personality and former footballer for Coventry City, when he came to Wellington.
Ashley passed through the Wellington earlier this year when completing an Ultraman Challenge to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer in honour of his daughter, Azaylia, who passed away from Leukaemia in 2021 at the age of eight months.
He has since set up the Azaylia Foundation, which was set up to support children with cancer and their families. During her lifetime, her parents have raised more than £1.5m for the cause.
Bonnie added: “Every day is a blessing to have him, I just hope one day there will be a cure for child cancer.”