MY MATE’S A HERO
Cancer battlers share a special bond
THESE friends go together like Batman and Robin and it’s their love of superheroes that gives them a special bond as they battle the same life-threatening illness.
Five-year-old Joel Waites and four-year-old Daniel Rainbow are inseparable after becoming pals in hospital when they were both diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma – a cancerous tumour that arises in the nervous system.
When Joel spotted Daniel across the room with his X-ray vision they knew they would be besties for ever.
And they were even side by side when they were presented with their Bravehearts awards at a ceremony at St James’ Park in Newcastle in recognition of the courage and strength they have shown as they support each other.
Joel, from Blyth, has had to undergo treatment for the last 18 months for his condition, including
surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and is now completing his treatment immunotherapy. He copes by pretending to be Batman, Spiderman, Superman and the Hulk. Daniel, of Stanley, County Durham, was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in February 2015 and has undergone two major operations and a load of treatments. And, throughout his time in the Great North Children’s Hospital based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, he keeps on smiling – especially when he’s dressed as a superhero with his new best buddy. Joel, a pupil at Bede Academy, said: “When we dress like Batman it makes us feel strong so we can get better.”
His mum and dad, Lisa and Wesley, say his superhero status gives him the courage he needs to fight his illness.
Wesley, 30, said: “Joel was shy and nervous at first and so I would show him the superheroes on my phone when we were spending time in hospital waiting rooms. He loved them and that was when he became hooked.
“Then he met Daniel, who also loves wearing his superhero outfits, and the pair became good friends.
“I’m so proud of Joel because he’s been through more in his little lifetime than I have in 30 years.”
Lisa, 36, said: “Joel was shy with the nurses but when he put his Batman outfit on, it gave him the confidence he needed. He has made a great friendship with Daniel and they love dressing up as superheroes in the hospital.”
Daniel admits he loves all those who can fly. “Batman, Superman, they are all my favourites,” he said.
And although he swapped his superhero suit for the variety with a dickie bow tie and waistcoat for the Bravehearts awards, he revealed he had Batman socks and Avengers underpants on underneath.
Daniel’s parents Michael, 44, and Claire, 35, say their son’s friendship with Joel has helped him pull through.
Mum-of-two Claire said: “When Joel came to stay in hospital he had superhero pyjamas on and Daniel spotted them. They have become such good friends now that they have even borrowed each other’s superhero outfits.
“When they are dressed like that in hospital they certainly rule the roost. They have a great bond and a special friendship.”
Dad Michael added: “When Daniel was in hospital for a week and Joel only came in for a night there were tears that Joel had to go home. They just love it when they are together.
“They really are two true superheroes.”