Tasty treat helping Welshpool boy's cancer battle

Kian, 12, has been undergoing hospital treatment for Ewing's sarcoma since he was diagnosed in July.

He regularly has to travel with his mother Kelly, 35, to Birmingham Children's Hospital to undergo treatment for the bone cancer, which sees him laid up for two weeks at a time.

And the only thing he feels like eating while building up his strength is a slice of Battenburg.

So fond of the cake is the Welshpool High School pupil, that when Kelly returned home from a shopping trip last week, The Bay Tree Vintage Tea Rooms in Welshpool made a giant version just for him.

Mrs Williams said: "He loves Battenburg, it is the only thing he feels like eating after his treatment.

"He will not feel like anything to eat but then will ask for a slice and it gets him back to building his strength back up."

Kian, who lives with brothers Alex, 13, twin Olly and sisters Gabby, Bobi and Essa, in Parc Caradog, Trewern, near Welshpool,was diagnosed with the condition in July this year and could eventually face the prospect of losing a leg.

Mrs Williams said: "We knew he was unwell for two-and-a-half-years but he was misdiagnosed for all that time.

"When I found out in July that it was Ewing's sarcoma it was obviously very hard, but at least we knew what it was.

"But we are all being very positive and that is what is keeping us going.

"He's a very positive lad any way and we are doing all we can to keep it that way. We don't want negative thoughts around him and the hospitals in both Birmingham and Telford are so kind in that regard, they really are fantastic.

"Birmingham is a lot busier than Telford but I can't complain about the treatment at all."

Fewer than 30 children in the UK develop Ewing's sarcoma each year. It usually occurs in the teenage years, and is more common in boys.

Mrs Williams said Kian has just received some money from Clic Sargent, a charity that helps people suffering with childhood cancer.

"He has decided he wants a Nintendo 3DS console which he can take with him into hospital and help him pass the time," she added.

"He has been excited by that and the Battenburg. When he is in hospital he is there for two weeks, it is very intensive.

"The money from Clic Sargent so he can get his 3DS is a brilliant bonus and we are so thankful of the help they have given him. He will have something now that can take his mind off what is happening and I know he will really enjoy playing it.

"He has also recently won a Cancer Research Little Star Award and he is exactly that in our eyes."

Trudy Langton, owner of the Bay Tree Vintage Tea Rooms, said she was pleased to help out by making the cake.

"We wanted to do something to put a smile on his face," she said.

"It is a story that really touches you, so we just wanted to make a gesture."