A young boy has been diagnosed with cancer just two weeks after his identical twin was laid to rest.
Doctors initially thought Jack Parton, 15, had PTSD following the death of his brother Ben from a brain tumour.
But his already devastated family received the horrifying news that he in fact has leukemia.
Jack is taking part in Brain Tumour Research’s wear a Christmas hat day in memory of his brother.
The family have already raised nearly £1,000 for the charity and will be hosting an open house event on December 10.
Mum Julie Parton, 54, from Cannock, said: ‘To be told my surviving son had leukaemia was devastating.
‘Although I have to hold out hope that leukaemia is curable whereas Ben never had that chance.’
Ben, Jack’s twin, died ten days before Christmas three years ago despite two surgeries.
He underwent 30 sessions of radiotherapy and two cycles of chemotherapy.
He was diagnosed with glioblastoma eight months earlier after bouts of vomiting and painful headaches.
A CT scan at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton showed a mass on his brain and he was given less than two years to live.
Remembering Ben, the mum said: ‘Ben was very laid back compared to Jack who is feisty – they balanced each other out.
‘But Ben loved Christmas and would get so excited from end of October. He made Christmas so fun for us.
‘This time of year is always hard as Ben died before Christmas, but we decided to use his love of parties to celebrate his life each December.
‘Jack is doing well and nearing the end of his treatment. I feel privileged to be his mum.
‘This year I am asking friends and family to donate what they can whilst wearing their favourite Christmas hat during an open house on December 10 to support Brain Tumour Research.’
Mel Tiley, community, development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: ‘Ben’s story is devastating and we’re grateful to Julie for sharing this with us.
‘The family’s experience demonstrates the need for more funding and research into brain tumours to keep families together.
‘We wish Julie and Jack all the best for their fundraiser this Wear A Christmas Hat Day.
‘Anyone can sign up, and if you can’t join in on Friday, December 16, don’t worry! You can hold your event on any other day in December to suit you.’
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