The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Ferry schoolboy Benny ‘wins the battle but still fighting war’
CHEMO: Three and a half years of gruelling treatment finally completed
An inspirational Dundee teenager diagnosed with a rare form of cancer has completed treatment after three and half gruelling years.
Broughty Ferry youngster Benny Jefferson, 14, finished his last round of chemotherapy last Thursday after spending almost a quarter of his life in and out of hospital.
The former Forthill Primary pupil was sent home from school in May 2017 complaining of a fever and sore throat, but – after he developed a rash – further tests revealed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
He was aged just 11 at the time. His dad Ally, mum Clare, and older brother Jack, as well as the wider family, have been by his side throughout the last 1215 days.
Close pals Euan Thomson, Dylan Li, and Ethan Horn have also been there to offer support throughout.
Ally said: “Everything is quite surreal just now.
“In a way, lockdown is basically what we have been living for the last three and a half years because his life has been so controlled.
“It has been hard and disruptive and we have all been pushed beyond what we thought were our limits.
“He has spent Christmas in hospital which was tough for him. We are all pleased but of course we are still worried.
“He won’t be declared cancer-free for another five years so we can say Benny has won a battle, but he’s still fighting a war.”
Benny, who has set his sights on becoming a history teacher when he grows up, had chemotherapy treatment orally every single day as well as intravenously monthly.
The Grove Academy pupil became something of a poster boy during his struggle.
He starred in a BBC film funded by Children in Need and The Robertson
Trust called Taymara’s Time for Life! which offers a seagoing experience to children with life-threatening conditions.
His image also helped raise £50,000 for Cancer Support UK after it was used on bin bags sent out to households in England asking for clothing to be recycled.
Ally praised all staff at the NHS, charities Logan’s Fund and Tayside Children with Cancer and Leukaemia (TCCL) as well as Grove Academy and friends and family.
However, he said the family are conscious others locally and across the world are still fighting their own battles.
“It’s not a particularly fair war — there’s so many others that are going through this.
“We are mindful that some are still fighting while some have lost their fight.
“Benny is determined to make up for lost time and is keen to get back to school full-time.
“He’s got his plan for the future. Whatever he does, he will get there. His attitude has been absolutely incredible.”
“He won’t be declared cancer-free for another five years... his attitude has been absolutely incredible. DAD ALLY JEFFERSON