Weymouth: Denzel Daley, three, diagnosed with leukaemia

Denzel Daley, who has been described by his mum as a ‘happy boy who loves jumping around,’ has been diagnosed with blood cancer.

Following initial treatment his parents were given the news that no family wants to hear - that their son ‘hadn’t responded to treatment the way doctors had hoped'.

So he is now set to undertake a much more intensive course of chemotherapy, four times a week for several weeks.

Parents Mia and Olly have been described as 'inspirational' for the way they are supporting the family at this difficult time. Denzel has four older brothers - Jacob, Joshua, Warren and Brodie.

Mia said: “Denzel himself is just getting on with it, but it has been really hard.”

Denzel was diagnosed with autism last year and is also non-verbal, and following his autism diagnosis, the family were offered to have Denzel genetically tested. Through that it was found that he had extra white blood cells which then led to a diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer that starts from white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow.

Denzel’s auntie, Emma Reed said: “Denzel was taken for treatment in Southampton within 48 hours and has since been given chemotherapy.

“Denzel was diagnosed with autism last year and he is also non-verbal, so communication is quite challenging.”

Denzel and his mum Mia (Image: Emma Reed)

She added: “This is one of the hardest things we can imagine, Mia and Olly are absolutely inspirational parents and as a family, they are doing the best they can.”

Denzel and his brothers (Image: Emma Reed)

The family have set up a GoFundMe page to help with the recovery process and all of the money raised by the fundraiser will be going towards Denzel’s bedroom and sensory equipment, which he loves.

Mia had to quit her job at Lynch Lane Garden Centre, which her family owns, in order to be able to care for Denzel full-time, but Olly has just gone back to work full-time as an IT technician.

Mia said: “Denzel is always happy, always jumping around and he loves his dog, he also loves the water and playing with cars.”

But his love of water is an especially hard obstacle for the family as he currently has a line in his side that he isn’t allowed to submerge in water.

They can however purchase a suit which will allow him to do ‘one of his favourite things’ once more, but the suit costs hundreds of pounds.

Denzel used to attend nursery in the area and Mia would often be sent photos of him ‘happy’ and ‘smiling,’ but he had to drop out following his diagnosis.

Emma explained that as a family they are trying to have other things to focus on, and as part of the fundraising they are hosting a number of events.

Emma’s son Tommy Rodway, 10, is even cutting his hair to donate to the Little Princess Trust and to raise funds for his cousin.

Tommy has been growing his hair since he was five and decided that he was going to stick at it.

Denzel and his cousin Tommy (Image: Emma Reed)

Emma added: “It was all his decision, he’s so excited, he’s counting down the days.”

Tommy is a student at Beechcroft St Paul's Primary School and will be getting his hair cut in assembly on Friday, March 22 by Michelle at Mac 3 Barbers.

Additionally, the family have organised a coffee morning at St Francis Church in Littlemoor on Monday, March 25 from 9.30am. There will also be a fundraiser which is planned to happen around the Easter holidays with the help of Frazer Mitchell of Antix Music Network at the White Hart, where there will be a raffle and family disco.

Denzel and his brothers (Image: Emma Reed)

At the time of writing, the family's fundraising efforts have raised more than £3,600, of a £6,000 target, with £1,355 coming from the GoFundMe.

If you would like to donate or find out more, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/two-little-heros?member=32362697&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer.