In his short life, Ben has suffered not one, but two acute forms of leukaemia.

Still battling for his life, with regular chemotherapy injections in to his spine, the tiny youngster will soon finish treatment, after which his devoted parents, former Askern couple Lynn and Dennis, hope to take him on a dream holiday to Florida.

The big-hearted pair – who have two other adopted sons with special needs – adopted Ben, who also has Downs Syndrome, as a baby. Just 13 days later they learned he had acute myeloid leukaemia.

"That was traumatic," said Lynn, 45, "but we're positive people and we get on with whatever is thrown at us.

"Ben had six months of intense chemotherapy, then went into remission. But 14 months later he became ill again, and we were told he had a second rare strain of leukaemia... even though it's virtually unheard of for one child to get both.

"We've been told Ben is only the second child the specialists at Sheffield Children Hospital have heard of, to have suffered both these types of leukaemia in succession."

As a Downs Syndrome child, Ben is more susceptible to myeloid leukaemia than others.

But his condition has increased the difficulty in treating him for the lymphoblastic strain that statistics say he should never have contracted.

Lynn explained: "Research has shown that the usual three years of treatment proves too much for Downs Syndrome children, and many have died in the third year, so Ben's chemotherapy is likely to end in March, rather than December as was planned.

"We take each day as it comes and we manage.

"My other sons, Hale and Aaron are 15 and 22, and Doncaster Council bosses have been great in letting Dennis have time off, with no loss of pay.

"Ben spent the first 18 months of this second bout in hospital.

"There are so many children with cancer, all coping really well, and it
becomes part of your life.

"We've faced nothing we can't get over..."

Ben has his own Facebook page – Wish Ben Roe Well – that has over 17,000 members. He and his selfless family have themselves raised money for charity PACT at Sheffield Children's Hospital, that aims to support families and children struck by cancer.

Said Lynn: "We're so grateful for all the messages of support we've had and continue to get. We want to get Ben as well as we can and give him a good life.

Both his brothers go to Campsmount College and we want Ben to go there too one day, as they are wonderful with special needs provision.

"We still have family in Askern, although we now live at Warmsworth, and we're grateful to everyone who is involved with the charity night at the Spa Club."

Help brave Ben to go on holiday to Florida

YOU can help Ben end his long months of gruelling cancer treatment with a super Florida holiday – and have a great night out at the same time!

On January 29, Askern's Spa Central Club will host a big night out, with former heavyweight champion Joe Egan – who will appear for no fee – and music from top group Motown Magic.

Tickets, priced £10 each, are on sale now at the Spa Club, or from Askern Buffaloes, who are supporting the cause.

Promoter Andy Booker told the Newsletter "We hope to raise £2,500 from the night for Ben.

"Joe's a real star and it'll be a night to remember.

"I know that Askern folk will support us."