'Superhero' Corey, 4, learns to walk again

Corey with his mum Lynn-Marie

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A BRAVE boy, aged just four, has had to learn to walk again after undergoing cancer treatment.

"Superhero" Corey Ashton-Barker had to spend 13 weeks in hospital following his diagnosis earlier this year.

He was left bed-bound while fighting pneumonia and receiving intensive chemotherapy which left him so weak he was unable to walk.

The Limeside youngster was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer of the white blood cells, in May.

While advances in treatment have been made, the rare cancer affects around 420 UK children each year.

A high temperature and persistent cough had prompted mum Lynn-Marie Barker to take Corey to A&E at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Parents Lynn-Marie and Mark Ashton were told their son had pneumonia but routine blood tests revealed the devastating news that he also had leukaemia.

Lynn-Marie said: "It was every parent's worst nightmare. I couldn't breathe. I was in utter shock."

Corey was transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital the next day where he was given an immediate blood and platelets transfusion.

His next 13 weeks were spent in hospital, where he kept his toy Hulk by his hospital bedside.

Although he responded well to his treatment, it caused a number of side effects, including losing his hair, and made him so weak that he needed physiotherapy to walk again. Marvel's Avengers fan Corey was praised for his courage throughout his treatment which involved having chemotherapy drugs injected directly into his spine.

The four-year-old who attends nursery at Holy Family RC Primary School has been given a Star Award from Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens for the bravery he has shown.

Mum Lynn-Marie, (30) who nominated him, said: "Corey has had such a difficult time but despite all he's been through he still manages to smile.

"He's been amazing and so brave - he's our real life superhero.

"He's a very determined little boy and has amazed us at every turn with how he's been so smiley and how he learned to walk again. I'm so, so proud of him.

"We need to just take each day as it comes but for now Corey is doing well and we've got to be thankful for that. My little boy's strength just amazes me."

Ahead of starting oral-administered chemotherapy in the new year, Manchester City fan Corey enjoyed time with his parents and older brother Tyler (8) over Christmas.

His mum added: "Corey got his first real tool kit which he has been playing with a lot and some more Avengers toys including Batman and Robin so he's still into his superheroes.

"We also went to his first Manchester City match with his dad which he enjoyed."

Family members are backing the Star Awards alongside Strictly Stars Kevin and Karen Clifton and Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford.

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK's Greater Manchester spokeswoman said: "Corey has been through so much and it was really nice to be able to meet him and see him enjoying his Star Award and playing with his toys.

"Cancer has a devastating impact on children, forcing them to show an incredible bravery beyond their years.

"Treatment can last for months, or even years, meaning long stays in hospital away from siblings and friends."

For information about the Star Awards visit cruk.org/kidsandteens.