Young Scottish boy given devastating diagnosis after suffering sore leg at nursery

A young Scottish boy was given a devastating diagnosis after complaining of a sore leg at nursery.

Cooper Dunn, from Lanarkshire, appeared on BBC's Children in Need and warmed the heart of viewers after sharing his story on being diagnosed with leukaemia, reports The Daily Record.

Mum Cailean bravely shared her family's story after being told by medics her son would need three years of treatment and highlighted the crucial work of charity Jak's Den which provides practical, social and emotional support to children and young people with cancer.

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The charity visited Cooper to make sure his time in hospital wasn't too daunting. They brought in arts, crafts and music to keep him occupied.

Appearing on the show Cailean said: "Cooper was a couple months shy of his third birthday and the nursery informed me that he had been complaining that his leg was sore and that they had been carrying him about for the last hour.

"So I decided to take him to A&E to have him looked over. The doctor said because she couldn’t find anything physical wrong with him apart from the obvious limp that she was going to run a blood test.

"Two doctors came in and said that they were very sorry but it was leukaemia. Your life literally changes overnight. Team Jak used to bring in things like crafts, wee games or music therapy.

"The first thing I noticed was actually how smiley people were.I feel like Team Jak was a total lifeline. I don't think they realise how amazing they are."

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Colette, a Children, Young People and Family Co-ordinator at Team Jak Foundation- Jak's Den added: "When a cancer diagnosis happens they're isolated to protect them from infection. Team Jak are very privileged that we get to visit the families when they’re in hospital, and we can be a friendly face because he needs us.

"We have seen Cooper grow and learn and develop into this fantastic wee cracker of a boy."

Dozens were touched by the family's story and important work the charity do. One person said: "Crying watching this, well done for sharing your story."

One mum wrote: "You all done amazing. My kids were both watching and loved that team Jak was on the tv. They both want to donate there birthday money."

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Another person said: "What a superstar Cooper is! Lewis was looking at the TV and getting excited to see Colette and Jaks Den."

While Hazel McLinden said: "Wow how amazing. Super Cooper and his amazing Mum you are superstars. How amazing to see how far you have both come over the last two years."

You can find out more about Jak's Den here and donate to BBC's Children in Need here.