Volunteers make over Northamptonshire garden for return home of eight-year-old leukemia patient

Helen Flemington of Chapel Brampton took it upon herself to contact local businesses on behalf of Jack Kellet, a young boy who has had Leukemia for six months.

The ‘ground force’ day took place on Sunday and volunteers worked around the clock to finish the garden ready for Jack’s arrival from the hospital yesterday.

Neighbour, Helen Flemington, said: “We’ve all got kids, there was nothing we could do to help Jack when he was in the hospital. I love bringing people together, I have that gene.”

Local causes have donated climbing frames, play houses, and money to help furnish the garden.

Only recently Jack met with the Make A Wish foundation and asked whether they would do up his garden so he could play with his siblings and friends but unfortunately the foundation was unable to help with the project as they specialise in celebrity meet-ups and holidays.

Jack’s Mum, Amanda Mills, said: “The children can now come outside and enjoy themselves. Before it was just weeds and overgrown grass. I have been travelling back and forth with Jack from Nottingham and I haven’t had the chance to be on top of everything.”

One Saturday afternoon, six months ago, Jack was spending time with his family and complained of having a sore throat.

In the space of six hours, Jack was rushed to a Nottingham hospital in an ambulance and was diagnosed with Leukemia in less than two days.

Maureen Canham, Jack’s grandmother, said: “The doctors thought it might have been meningitis. It was a very traumatic few months for us all.

“Considering his treatment, he’s coping magnificently well for a child of eight-years-old.

“The volunteers have been absolutely wonderful, it’s unbelievable how everyone has rallied round.”

Jack is due to finish his chemotherapy sessions in February 2017.

Jack's sister, Brooke Haslet, who is 10-years-old, said: “We now have loads to play on, I can use the swings and trampoline in the summer.”

All money left over from the funding page will be donated to charity.