A LITTLE boy who battled leukaemia is set to ride a sleigh in Worcester’s Santathon.

Brave Ben Price, aged two, will ride around the course dressed as an elf on a sleigh pulled by his Boxer dog Winston, who will be dressed as a reindeer.

Ben was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia last December.

Although he is in remission he must attend hospital for regular check-ups and stabilising drugs.

On Sunday, December 6, Ben, who lives in Cornmeadow Lane, Claines, near Worcester, with his mum Emma Price, will take part in the festive fund-raiser in aid of Worcester-based charity Leukaemia CARE.

His mum and her friend John Burton will be by his side as he rides the course.

Hundreds of people will dress up in red Santa Claus costumes to take part in the 5km fun run which is taking place at Worcester City Football Club in St George’s Lane at 11am.

Talking about her young son’s condition Ms Price said: “It was a very worrying time for us.

“Ben’s diagnosis took such a long time; it left me feeling so confused, annoyed and scared. It was such a great relief to find Leukaemia CARE. They were so helpful. The support they provide is wonderful.

“To have them here in Worcester is brilliant and to know there is always someone to talk to is a huge help.”

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia is cancer of the white blood cells. Symptoms can include weakness and fatigue, anaemia, bone and joint pain, breathlessness and fever.

Children under 15 are the most commonly affected and treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and steroid therapy.

Nick Martin, spokesman for Leukaemia CARE, said the Price family was “an inspiration to us all”.

He said: “Ben’s story is what Leukaemia CARE is all about, providing a national support network for patients, carers and their families.

“It’s lovely to hear how we helped Ben and Emma and it’s fantastic to get their support at the Santathon.”

Ms Price said Ben is now doing well.

“He’s an amazing little boy,” she said. “We’re really looking forward to the Santathon. It gives us the chance to raise some money for Leukaemia CARE and give something back to a fantastic organisation.

“Ben’s buggy will be turned into a sleigh for the day and it’ll look like Winston will be pulling it around the course with Ben acting like Santa.”

There is still time to register for the Santathon.

Forms can be downloaded from xmasfunrun.co.uk or ordered by calling 0845 5213456. They are also available from Leukaemia CARE offices in Blackpole Road, Worcester, and Worcester City Football Club itself.

All participants pay a £10 registration fee and receive a free Santa suit.

Money raised from the fun run will help the charity which provides care and support to patients, their families and carers during the difficult journey through the diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia, lymphoma or an allied blood disorder.