A brave little boy who is battling cancer was given the surprise of a lifetime when kind-hearted police officers escorted him to his latest hospital appointment.

JoJo, 8, has been fighting acute lymphoblastic leukaemia for more than three-and-a-half years.

The youngster, from Berwick, is obsessed with anything police and wants to become a police officer when he is older.

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After making arrangements, officers from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit tried to make it possible for JoJo to visit their base in Spennymoor to have a look around, meet the officers, and see their vehicles.

However, due to his deteriorating condition, he was never able to attend, and his visits were cancelled.

Having been so moved by his story, officers from the unit still wanted to do something special for him.

The Northern Echo: JoJo with officers from Durham Roads and Armed Policing UnitJoJo with officers from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

Last week, officers took a training ride opportunity to pay him a surprise visit at home before escorting him to his latest hospital appointment.

Four motorcycle outriders ensured he travelled in style to the Great North Children’s Hospital, in Newcastle, where both JoJo and his cuddly chemotherapy duck, Dave, got a chance to sit on the bikes and meet the officers.

They were also given some police memorabilia to take home.

After the visit, JoJo said: “It was the best experience of my entire life, I can’t believe it happened to me and I will never forget it, thank you everyone!” 

His mum, Claire, added: “I don’t think I will ever be able to put into words just how much JoJo loved it; he had the best time ever, thank you so much to everyone involved.

The Northern Echo: JoJo and his chemotherapy duck, DaveJoJo and his chemotherapy duck, Dave (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him so emotional, but in a happy way. He has been through so much and these words do not feel good enough for what you have done for him - thank you.”

Although still undergoing treatment and intensive chemotherapy, JoJo will hopefully “ring the bell” in September this year.

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Inspector Kevin Salter, from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said: “JoJo’s story has touched the hearts of us all, and it was a privilege and an honour to be in a position to do this for him.

“He has been extremely brave, through what only can be described as a journey no child should ever have to experience. To see his face light up and full of excitement, despite everything he's gone through, and still going through made everything so worthwhile.

“Our thoughts are with JoJo and his family and we look forward to hearing him ring that bell in September. Good luck JoJo, we are all rooting for you!”