Hughie and Freddie: Burnley fundraiser 'clear of leukaemia cells'

A boy who raised thousands of pounds for charity while having cancer treatment is celebrating "incredible news" after being told he is clear of leukaemia.

Hughie was diagnosed aged 10 with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2020.

Hughie, of Burnley, started fundraising for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and best friend Freddie joined in when Hughie was too ill.

He thanked everyone who helped him including "absolute hero" Freddie.

Hughie, now 13, said: "A few weeks ago I had some bone marrow tests at the hospital and... they can see absolutely no leukaemia cells.

"Everything has come back fully clear.

"All the leukaemia's gone," he told BBC Breakfast.

He said he was on cloud nine, adding: "It's so incredible and such an amazing feeling."

He said it was such a relief and will give him an "extra boost" to get through the rest of his treatment.

He thanked all the doctors and nurses who have looked after him, his family and "lastly I want to say thank you to Freddie who is just an absolute hero".

Freddie said he was ecstatic when Hughie called him with his news.

"I was so happy," he said.

He praised his best friend for the way he has coped with his illness.

"He's not complained about it - he has just got on with it. If I had the same thing I'd be complaining about it. He's done really well."

The pair who were named Young Fundraisers of the Year at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2021 have raised more than £200,000 for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

It started when Hughie signed up to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital fundraising walk to show his appreciation to the doctors and nurses who cared for him.

When he was too ill to take part Freddie took up the challenge.

Freddie ran two kilometres a day in the 50 days up to Christmas in 2020 with the pair running across the finish line together on Christmas Day.

They started more fundraising challenges including the 100km Football Ground Challenge, which involves running 1km round every Premier League and English Football League club - for hospitals across the country.

The Burnley FC fan said his charity work was been a "good distraction" from his treatment especially the runs around football grounds.

He said it was "such a nice feeling" to have thousands of people clapping as they run at football stadiums.

"It does really help you," he said,

Hughie's father Keiron said: "Getting that news makes you feel very blessed."

He said his son has been "remarkable", "he's been positive from day one".

He added he was "super proud" of his son and best friend for their "mind blowing" charity work.

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