A BRAVE four year-old has just started primary school after battling cancer.

In September last year Joseph Parker started having terrible headaches that were quickly diagnosed as the result of a brain tumour.

The four year-old was whisked into surgery and, following months of intensive chemotherapy, was given the all clear.

Now the Charvil boy will start primary school with his brother after a CLIC Sargent support worker helped him get back to his old, fighting fit self.

Speaking about how the children's cancer charity helped his son, Chris Parker said: “Joseph dealt with all his treatment in hospital involving many days in isolation extremely well; he has been very brave throughout.

"The diagnosis was a complete shock, Joseph rarely having been ill before. Our CLIC Sargent support worker, Sarah was fantastic and we are not sure how we would have coped and got through this year without her.

"As well as seeing her at the hospital, she popped in numerous times to see us all at home which was a huge help, offering financial advice along with emotional support during a tough time for us all.”

In a bid to give something back to the charity, Mr Parker convinced his fellow members of the Twyford Round Table to nominate CLIC Sargent as one of their charities of the year.

After throwing themselves into fundraising by organising Joseph’s Jolly Family Fun Day, the group sent a cheque for £4654.50 to the charity.

Liz Blunt, local Fundraising engagement manager, said: “We are so grateful to the Twyford Round Table, Steph and Chris and their family and friends for their wonderful fundraising, raising a staggering amount. It is such fabulous news that Joseph has recovered and is able to start school.

"£46 could pay for a CLIC Sargent member of staff to be there soon after diagnosis, giving a family one-to-one support, so the money raised is a huge help to our charity.

"Sadly, every day in the UK, 11 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer and a childhood cancer diagnosis really affects the emotional and mental health of the whole family, of which more information can be found on our website under Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.”

To find out more or donate, go to www.clicsargent.org.uk