The mum of a three-year-old boy who has spent much of his short life battling leukaemia will be fundraising for the charity launched in his honour.  

Lucy Ellerker-Jones, and her husband Lewis Jones, set up the Opie Jones Foundation to support families with children who are battling cancer.  

Their only son, Opie, was diagnosed with the condition at five months old in the autumn of 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic.  

He underwent gruelling chemotherapy, relapsed after a bone marrow transplant just after his first birthday and was then eligible for specialist cell therapy called CAR-T.  

The Hunts Post: Opie Jones has spent much of his short life having treatment for leukaemia.Opie Jones has spent much of his short life having treatment for leukaemia. (Image: Lucy Ellerker-Jones)

Opie was only the ninth person of his age in Europe to have had the treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London.  

He has just passed two years of being cancer free at three years old and is enjoying life like any other cheeky toddler.  

Inspired by Opie’s courage, Lucy and Lewis launched the Opie Jones Foundation and she travels the world to share their family’s experience.  

And she will be climbing Mount Snowdon, in Wales, on Saturday (September 16) with her older daughter and a group of friends for the charity’s first major fundraising effort.  

Lucy, who grew up in Bluntisham and now lives near Warboys, said: “The lives of our family were devastated by Opie’s leukaemia. 

“Knowing how hard it is to navigate life after childhood cancer, we want to help other families and fund mental health support for them.  

“We also want to advocate for children to be given the kinder treatment that’s available first. 

“At the moment, approved gene and cell therapies are only available if a child relapses.  

“This means they have been exposed to the most toxic treatments, with life changing consequences to their fragile and developing bodies.” 

The Hunts Post: Opie Jones, aged three, has just marked his two years cancer free milestone.Opie Jones, aged three, has just marked his two years cancer free milestone. (Image: Lucy Ellerker-Jones)

Lucy added: “This will be our first big fundraising event, and the first of many more.  

“We will be grateful for any donation, large or small, to help us with our work.” 

To donate, visit Lucy’s JustGiving page for the Opie Jones Foundation.