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Boy who inspired a cricket team rings cancer bell

Jasmine Ketibuah-Foley
BBC News, West of England
SCCC Bodhi is a young boy and is standing in a corridor next to a cricket player wearing the team's pink and black shirt. Both have their fists raised in the air, smiling at the camera.SCCC
Bodhi, seven, first met Somerset County Cricket Club players at Bristol Children's Hospital

A seven-year-old boy who became a cricket team's "lucky mascot" has celebrated the end of his treatment for cancer.

Bodhi visited Somerset County Cricket Club to share the good news after he rang the bell following more than two years of treatment for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

He first met the players when they visited the children's ward at Bristol Children's Hospital and they have been friends ever since.

Bodhi's mother Alice said his friendship with his favourite team makes him feel "really special" and has "instilled confidence in him".

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The players spotted Bodhi in the crowd when they collected their Vitality Blast T20 trophy in 2023 and rushed him out to join them on the podium.

"It was a very surreal experience and exciting for him at a time when things were not very exciting," Alice said.

"He was taking chemotherapy in the stands that day," she said.

Players Ben Green and Tom Kohler-Cadmore in particular have formed a strong bond with him.

SCCC Bodhi stands in front of a cricket team, all wearing pink and black shirts. Bodhi is wearing a burgundy hat and is right next to a smiling man holding a large silver trophy. The rest of the team are smiling widely too and one man is holding up a large bottle of bubbly.SCCC
Bodhi celebrates with the team as they lift the Vitality Blast T20 trophy in 2023

Tom was struck by Bodhi's positivity when he met him at the hospital.

"Even on his bad days, he keeps his spirits up," Tom said.

"He is an inspiration. Everyone at the club adores him, and whenever he's around, he brings smiles to everyone's faces."

Tom has invited Bodhi and his family to T20 games over the years, and was thrilled to celebrate the trophy win with him.

"When he was in the crowd, it was special to have him be part of our journey that year," Tom said.

Alice A woman and a man are on either side of Bodhi, kissing each cheek. Bodhi is smiling and looking straight at the camera. Alice
Bodhi's mum Alice said his friendship with the team has made him more confident

Alice said Bodhi had been the team's "lucky mascot" ever since their first meeting.

"He feels like he's their friend and that will continue," she said.

"We went [to the club] the other day to share the news of him ringing the bell and all the talk was around 'when will we see him again'.

"The club didn't have to do what they did, they went above and beyond and that compassion and empathy for our situation has really shone through."

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