A BRAVE six-year-old has celebrated his first Christmas since finishing intense cancer treatment, by lighting up two landmark Christmas trees.
Harry Coulson, from South Hetton, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at just three years old and has spent much of his young life in hospital.
Harry received intensive chemotherapy, regular doses of steroids and made more than 50 overnight stays whilst undergoing treatment at the Great North Children’s Hospital, in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.
In July this year, Harry and his family celebrated the end of his treatment and marked the milestone by ringing a ceremonial bell in the hospital’s chemotherapy unit.
Read more: Storytelling helps County Durham boy through cancer treatment
Harry was joined by his mum Joanne Johnson, dad Mike Coulson, and Councillor Watts Stelling, Chairman of Durham County Council, to turn on the Christmas lights on the tree outside County Hall, Durham, and the tree on the nearby Framwellgate Peth roundabout.
Mum Joanne said: “Harry was super excited knowing he was going to turn on the Christmas lights.
"He has been really looking forward to it as our family has missed out on Christmas activities for the last three years due to chemotherapy, steroids, hospital stays and having to shield during covid.
"We’re super proud of him and it was lovely to see the huge smile on his face.”
Cllr Stelling said: “I am delighted to meet Harry. He is such an inspiration and has managed to stay positive and keep smiling throughout his long periods of treatment.
"I would like to thank Harry for switching on our lights and wish him and his family a very merry Christmas.”
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