Brave Bernard beats cancer

Jamie MacDonald • Published 24 Feb 2010 11:38 3 Comments

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Brave Bernard Iliff is back home and looking forward to starting school after beating cancer. (pic David Robertson)

A SAUCHIE youngster who was given just a 10 per cent chance of surviving cancer is celebrating after doctors gave him the all clear.

Little Bernard Iliff (4) and his family were delighted to learn last week that after he had officially won his long battle with Neuroblastoma Cancer in his stomach and bone marrow.

His mum, Anne-Marie, told the Advertiser, "We had a gut feeling he had beaten it but now it's official. Everything is perfect and it is such a relief."

The Advertiser first reported on Bernard back in March last year when Anne-Marie and his dad, Ray, thanked the community for their backing in signing a petition aimed at changing the minds of health bosses over a life saving operation.

Without the op Bernard stood just a 10 per cent chance of survival but with it his odds increased to 50 per cent - providing he lived through the lengthy procedure.

Over 2000 people signed the petition and the medics eventually granted the Iliff's their wish of allowing Bernard to have his operation. Since then, and with a few set backs on the way, the plucky lad has fought his way back to full health.

Now, with a full head of hair and looking the picture of health, young Bernard is looking forward to beginning school after the summer along with all the other children of his age.

Anne-Marie said, "It has been a long road since he was diagnosed a year and half ago. He has had five operations and at some stages was in a right bad way but he is a tough little cookie."

She added, "We would like to say thank you to the hospital staff and everybody who has helped us, especially Sandy and granny Lynne."

During his time in hospital Bernard also became the inspiration for a charity providing sick kids with the chance to go and meet Santa at the North Pole.

The Bernard Iliff Children's Dream Trips Of A Lifetime Campaign was named after the wee fellow and Bernard will be attending their events in the future to help them raise funds.

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kimberley
Unregistered User
Feb 24, 21:20
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i just wanted to say how pleased i am to hear that little bernard has beaten neuroblastoma, my daughter was diagnosed with the condition in october 2009 and is still undergoing treatment at the moment and it has given me and my family such hope!!

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tracy
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Feb 25, 19:57
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god bless little bernard the strenth that little boy must have will be a inspiration to a lot of people including me best wishes for the future to all your family x

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Sandy Smith
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Feb 25, 22:23
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Hi Kimberly.

It is so good when a child can bring so much hope to an other child and little Bernard is just a darling of a child and I was honoured to be introduced to him and his family.

One thing I told the Iliff family and I will tell you is never give up on hope and as long as you beleve in this at the end of the day everything will work out fine.

It is my prayer that your daughter comes through this and just like little Bernard she will go on to have many happy years in front of her.

Lots of love,

Sandy smith,

Founder & chairman,

Bernard Iliff Childrens Dream Trips Of A Lifetime Campaign

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