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Boy, 4, can swim for first time in nine months after beating brain cancer

Dzemil was diagnosed with brain cancer after his second birthday and could not bathe due to the risk of sepsis

[Dzemlis wish to visit Centre Parcs granted thanks to Make-A-Wish UK and players of Peoples Postcode Lottery]

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Dzemlis wish to visit Centre Parcs granted thanks to Make-A-Wish UK and players of Peoples Postcode Lottery

A four-year-old boy who couldn't have a bath for nine months has finally been able to "swim to his heart's content" after beating brain cancer.

Dzemil was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer after his second birthday.

Since then, the youngster from Liverpool, Merseyside has endured three brain operations, 12 rounds of chemotherapy and proton therapy.

The treatment meant that he couldn't bathe or swim due to risk of infection.

His mum Hope explained that, for nine months, Dzemil had been "unable to be by any water because of the risk of infection, which could lead to sepsis ".

Hope added: "Basically for nine months, Dzemil couldn't even really have a bath. He was just sponge-washed, which was difficult for a two-year-old who likes to splash."

But with support from the Make-A-Wish charity, the family have been able to take Dzemil swimming for the first time since his diagnosis, at a family holiday at the Center Parcs resort in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire.

Hope said: "For five days, he could swim to his heart's content or splash. I think other visitors must have thought 'Are we doing anything else while we're here?'"

Dzemil, who was born with a rare genetic condition, also has learning and mobility challenges. And although he is in remission, doctors say there is a high chance of his cancer returning.

But mum Hope said watching him make memories with his six-year-old sister Amal brought a tear of joy to her eye. Dzemil was also able to have a go at an aerial adventure in the tree tops as part of the dream holiday.

Hope said: "He was quite hesitant at first wearing a harness. But I think him seeing the other children in his group doing it, he started to copy them and then towards the end, it was like watching a different child.

"I did even have a little cry while I was standing at the side. To see him gaining that confidence, when he was off the ground and walking on a narrow bridge, it was just really nice to see him being able to do that."

She said she was "very grateful" for the "opportunity as a family to make memories".

"Just seeing them together, being away from hospital appointments for a week, not having to open any letters from the hospital and just kind of be a normal family - it was just amazing."

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