Emotional Scots mum thanks schoolmates for rallying around 5-year-old battling rare cancer

Ace Ward has no immune system and almost died after catching a cold last week.

The mum of a Scots youngster battling a rare form of cancer has praised his teachers for going above and beyond in his honour.

Staff at St Mark's Primary in Ayrshire put their best feet forward on behalf of brave P1 pupil Ace Ward during the coronavirus lockdown.

They walked an incredible 4000km throughout May to raise more than £3,000 for Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

The five-year-old is fighting B-Cell Acute Lymphobastic Leukaemia, has no immune system and has been receiving treatment twice a week at the Schiehallion Ward.

The inspirational youngster keeps his spirits up through regular fundraising activities with mum Vicky, Dad Brian and other family members.

In lockdown at the hospital for more than seven weeks recently due to the coronavirus pandemic, his kind-hearted teachers got together to do their bit and give Ace a boost as he faces a brutal round of intense chemotherapy.

Mum Vicky praised their efforts.

She said: "Ace had just started primary one when he was taken into hospital which was naturally really hard, and we didn't expect them to make the efforts that they have.

"They have been very supportive of our journey and have made an amazing effort to make Ace feel involved and support my other two kids in ways that were above and beyond.

"Before lockdown restrictions, his teachers came up to the hospital, with some of the kids, and spent time with him, and after that they sent videos and messages. They had a charity superhero day in his honour and sent videos, they just always make sure he is thought about.

"It's been a comfort to know they are there for my husband Brian, and me.

"And it’s been such a positive distraction during lockdown to see all the updates on the fundraising, and it's kept Ace going because he loves doing things to help people and has been thinking up new activities, but can't get out.

"We can’t believe how generous everyone has been and Ace really loves it."

Vicky says "wee character" Ace makes a big impression on most people he meets, so she's not surprised he's had support from his new school friends.

St Mark's head teacher Gemma Strain added: "When Ace became unwell in January, everyone at St Mark's felt heartbroken. We wanted to do everything we could as a school community to support Ace and his siblings during this difficult time.

"We decided that our annual Lent fundraising campaign should support Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity in order to keep Ace in our thoughts and prayers,  help our pupils to come to terms with Ace’s journey, and raise funds to help those helping the Ward family.”

And it's the wee one's strength that keeps the family, including Harrison, nine, and seven-year-old Hallie, going.

Vicky added: "He has a rare, high-risk form of cancer but he likes you to be honest with him and tell it straight, he doesn't even like to hold hands. He had three types of chemo last week in one day and he didn't whimper, even the nurses have commented.

"He's solid and he's a wee character, he keeps us all going."