A Margate boy who survived leukaemia has backed a national campaign to support families facing cancer.

Joshua Eliot-Lockhart, 12, was diagnosed aged nine and supported by child-cancer charity CLIC Sargent through his illness.

The cancer charity is running Wig Wednesday on May 20, which encourages people to be sponsored to wear wigs and support children who may lose their hair through treatment.

Joshua’s family first noticed something was wrong when he seemed tired and run down during the school holidays and a lump appeared on his neck.

Doctors originally diagnosed him with meningitis, but blood tests showed he had acute myeloid leukaemia.

Mum Rachael said: “We were extremely shocked – you never think it’s going to happen to your child. At the time I didn’t realise how many children have cancer. I didn’t realise they could be fine one minute and then so very poorly the next.

“I knew if I was having a really rubbish day I could ring and speak to the CLIC Sargent social workers. Joshua would not have been able to live as normal a life without their support.”

Joshua finished treatment in December 2014 and is looking forward to taking part in the campaign to support other families facing cancer.

He said: “I am supporting Wig Wednesday, as I know how upsetting it is not to have hair and have adults and children look at you.”

Rachael added: “We as a family support Wig Wednesday, so that CLIC Sargent can carry on doing their amazing work supporting families that are affected by cancer.”

CLIC Sargent fundraising campaigns manager Kiren Fernandes said: “Joshua looks fantastic in his wig and we’re delighted he is joining in the fun and backing Wig Wednesday 2015.

“The funds raised from Wig Wednesday provide vital support for families like Joshua’s, including social workers and nurses who can visit children and young people at home and emotional and practical support and free accommodation near hospitals during treatment.”

Call 08451 212492 for more details.