IT’S already December and many people will be counting down the sleeps until the big day.

For many, the Christmas season is a time to relax and unwind with family and friends.

However, this year will be different for most as the coronavirus pandemic continues to restrict our daily lives.

One local mum has bigger hopes for Christmas this year as she is due to find out whether cancer treatment has worked for her 13-year-old son.

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Charlie Ilsley from Emmer Green was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, the most high-grade brain tumour found in children when he was eight years old.

He has undergone countless operations and even more hospital trips since to help rid him of this cancer.

Charlie flew to Mexico for potentially life-saving treatment in June this year but a follow up scan showed a “small progression” in Charlie’s spine and a little area in the back of his head.

He returned to Mexico with mum Toni and dad Mark recently.

It was here where he underwent more treatment including Immunotherapy which was injected straight into his spine.

Charlie was due to fly back to Mexico this week (Friday, December 4) so he can have a follow up scan.

Speaking about the scan, Toni said: “I’m not nervous yet I will be on the day of the scan but I also need to know what’s going on with the cancer and whether we need to do any more injections.”

Toni said Charlie has been getting into the festive spirit.

The family tree is back up and Charlie has enjoyed opening his advent calendar and watching Christmas films.

The Reading Chronicle has been supporting Charlie and his family for almost six months with weekly articles hoping to raise awareness of his illness and money for his treatment.

We have shone a light on all the wonderful ways people have been supporting the family including Steven McDonald who ran a double marathon and raised more than £3,000 for Charlie’s treatment.

Toni said: “I want to thank you and the Chronicle for supporting us.

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“Also as always thank you to the readers that have donated or shared his page.

“It all helps with awareness.”

Around £7,000 still needs to be raised to pay for Charlie’s treatment and hotel bills.

If you would like to support the Chronicle’s campaign visit the Facebook page ‘Stand Up To Cancer: Charlie’s Page’ or visit his giving page.