A CHILD'S first birthday is supposed to be a happy occasion, filled with memories the family will cherish for life.

Connor Bolton's family will certainly never forget the day he turned one, but not because of the sight of him blowing out a candle or eating birthday cake for the first time.

Connor spent his first birthday being taken to hospital, where, after several tests, his family were told the devastating news he had cancer.

Nine months on, Connor has completed a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and has started on the road to recovery.

His family are aiming to raise money for other sick children, and Connor's grandmother, Kate Bolton, wants to share their story so it may bring hope to other cancer sufferers and their families.

Mrs Bolton, of Front Street, West Auckland, County Durham, said: "Connor had been feeling quite poorly for a couple of weeks, when he seemed to take a turn for the worse.

"We took him to accident and emergency and he was transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), in Newcastle, where he underwent many tests.

"He was diagnosed with a rare form of abdominal cancer. It was July 3 last year -the poor little boy's birthday."

Connor spent the next six months at the RVI undergoing chemotherapy, then a further two months having radiotherapy.

Mrs Bolton said: "When adults are diagnosed with cancer, they tend to think 'well, that's it'. They seem to be afraid of the treatment because they know the effects will make them feel unwell. But babies do not know any different, and Connor has proven you can battle through it and there can be a happy ending.

"To see Connor go from being next to death to watching his hair grow back and him putting on weight is just the most wonderful feeling of joy."

Connor's cancer is now in remission, but he will still need six-monthly checks to make sure the disease does not return.

He will not be given the all-clear for five years, when the effects of his treatment will wear off.

Despite him being diagnosed with a rare cancer in an advanced stage at such a young age, it was possible for him to be treated without surgery.

The Bolton family are thanking the doctors and nurses for their care and attention by organising a one-mile sponsored toddle.

The money raised from the walk, aimed at toddlers and mothers with pushchairs, will go towards the Sick Children's Fund.

The fund is expected to donate the money to Crawford House, in Newcastle, which offers accommodation for families while their children receive treatment for life-threatening illnesses.

The house does not charge for its services and relies on donations.

The walk will set off at 2pm on Sunday, June 12, from the visitors' centre at Hamsterley Forest, County Durham.