A courageous Fife youngster has taken his fight for greater cancer research funding to Downing Street.
Auchtertool five-year-old Milo Carter, who lost a kidney to the disease, was a VIP guest at the launch of a new Cancer Research UK fundraising campaign.
Milo, who started school last year free from chemotherapy, was one of 20 young cancer battlers invited to Number 10, where Samantha Cameron hosted a celebrity-packed reception to launch the new Kids & Teens fundraising campaign.
It came as new figures show cancer deaths in children and young people have fallen by nearly 60% in the last 40 years in Scotland.
But the disease remains the biggest killer of youngsters in the UK.
That is why Cancer Research UK has launched the drive to raise more money for research into treatments and cures for younger people.
The charity is calling on Scots to donate and help save more lives like little Milo’s.
Highlighting the urgent need to boost funds for more successes like her son, Milo’s mum Sarah said: “It’s been the most amazing, emotional trip and we’ve loved every moment of it.
“Going to 10 Downing Street was an unforgettable experience for so many reasons but most importantly because through supporting Cancer Research UK we can help to spare other children and families from this devastating disease in the future.”
Milo’s own battle started in April 2013 when he was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour scans revealed cancer in both his kidneys had already spread to his liver and lungs.
At first Sarah and husband Kevin were warned both his kidneys might have to be removed, but a surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London succeeded in saving 90% of his right kidney.
He endured 19 rounds of chemotherapy but is now clear of cancer and starting to take part in cycling and swimming.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see deaths for children’s cancers falling steadily.
“But we must make faster progress to save more lives, so we’re extremely grateful for the support of Milo’s family and to Samantha Cameron in helping to highlight the power of research in beating the disease.”