A BRAVE Torquay schoolboy who overcame cancer has been highlighting the cause on a VIP visit to Downing Street, as new figures released today show cancer deaths in children and young people have fallen by 58 per cent in the UK over the past 40 years1.

Six year old Alfie Ateshbar-Simpson was guest of honour at a special reception, hosted by Samantha Cameron, to launch Cancer Research UK’s inspiring new fundraising campaign Kids & Teens.

Alfie who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in 2012, joined 20 youngsters from across the UK – all diagnosed with cancer – who visited Number 10 to have their bravery recognised and help raise awareness of the urgent need to boost funds for research.

They also met celebrities and enjoyed a sight-seeing tour of London as part of their VIP experience on Tuesday (January 20).

Whilst the figures released today show that progress in treating the disease has led to an unprecedented drop in deaths among youngsters aged 24 and under, from around 1300 deaths each year in the mid-1970s to around 550 today2, the disease remains the biggest killer of youngsters in the UK3.

And so Cancer Research UK has launched the new ongoing mission to raise more money for research into kinder treatments and cures for children, teens and young adults with cancer.

The charity is calling on people across the South West to donate to beat childhood cancers sooner and help save more lives like Alfie’s.

He is one of around 130 children aged 14 and under in the South West4 and 1,600 across the UK who are diagnosed with cancer every year. A further 2,200 15-24 year olds are also diagnosed with cancer in the UK annually5.

Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see deaths for children’s cancers falling steadily. But we must make faster progress to save more lives, so we’re extremely grateful for the support of Alfie’s family and Samantha Cameron in helping to highlight the power of research in beating the disease.

“Sadly, not every youngster survives but we continue to fight for every child and every family and hope to double the amount we spend on children’s and young people’s cancers in the next 5-10 years. By boosting funding now, the best research teams could offer new hope by developing kinder and better treatments and cures, so we’re urging people across the region to back Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens.

“Cancer Research UK is the largest funder of research into children’s cancers in the UK and with the support of the public we can fund more world-class research to give more youngsters the chance to grow up and realise their potential.”

Cancer has a devastating impact on youngsters. Children, teens and young adults can endure months of painful treatment, as well as the upset of being away from home and friends. Also, some unfortunately face living with long term side effects from their treatment, such as infertility and disability, which have an impact throughout their adult lives.

Alfie’s cancer wasn’t apparent at first as he was treated for a viral infection when he was taken to the doctors at his local surgery.

Mum Faye explains: “Alfie became very lethargic and complained of aches and pains in his legs and didn’t want to walk very far.

“Later on he got a temperature and we were told it was a viral infection and he was given antibiotics.

“He just looked very drained of colour and I knew for some reason that it could be cancer. Then one night I could feel lumps on his head and I took him back to the doctors and asked for blood tests to be done.

“Once we were at the hospital and his tests came back, we were told that it was likely he had leukaemia and that Alfie was going to be taken to Bristol Children’s Hospital for treatment. It was a shock for all of us and knowing that we were going to be away from home for a long period of time did take its toll,” Faye added.

Alfie, together with his mum and dad Ali and brothers Sean-Paul 16, and sister Aliyah, age nine, Who live in Watcombe in Torquay, saw his personality change into a frightened and scared little boy.

Alfie had to endure intense chemotherapy after his diagnosis, which caused him to lose all of his hair.

Faye said: “Alfie endured months of treatment with unbelievable strength and resilience. I couldn’t be prouder of him so I’m delighted that his courage has been honoured with such a fantastic day, especially when he has missed out on so much.

“Going to 10 Downing Street was an unforgettable experience for so many reasons, but most importantly because through supporting Cancer Research UK we can help to spare other children and families from this devastating disease in future. “Success stories like Alfie’s would not be possible without the charity’s life-saving work, which in turn relies on everyone who raises funds, so we hope people across the South West will really get behind this crucial campaign.”

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters Cancer Research UK has helped to transform the outlook for children with cancer in the UK. Around three-quarters of under-15s with the disease are now cured compared to only a quarter in the late 1960s6. However, survival is significantly lower in teenagers and young adults than in children for several cancer types.

Celebrities who joined Alfie for the Downing Street reception included Peter Andre and his fiancée Emily MacDonagh, The Saturdays’ Rochelle Humes, as well as presenters Kirstie Allsopp, Charlotte Hawkins, Donna Air and Sara Cox.

Kirstie Allsopp said: “Having my children has been the biggest blessing and I cherish the time we have together. And sadly, I know all too well the devastating effect that cancer can have on families. That’s why I’m supporting the launch of Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens.

“I can’t imagine what it must be like to receive the devastating news that your child has cancer. No parent should have to hear that and no child should have to face it. All the money raised through this important campaign will fund ground-breaking research to beat children’s and teens’ cancer.”

To support Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens text KIDS3 to 70200 to donate £37 or for more information about the campaign visit cruk.org/kidsandteens Karen Davis/Alison Birkett on 07786 704571 or 07918 653002 or email swwpress@cancer.org.uk where your email will be read upon receipt.