Norwich family’s hopes are high for Noah, 2, as he braves final chemotherapy course in leukaemia battle

Two-year-old Noah Beschorner-Barker will have his final bout of chemotherapy and the family have high hopes that he will still be in remission. Picture: Submitted (Image: Archant)

Most of the last three months have been spent with his mum, Vicky, at Addenbrooke's Hospital, while his father Nick has stayed at home in Hellesdon with seven-year-old brother Zakk.

But now, three-quarters of the way through his chemotheraphy, the family are feeling positive - and drummer Mr Beschorner-Barker, 38, is organising a charity gig to help pay for travel costs so the family can enjoy precious time together.

After Noah became unwell his parents took him to the family doctor, where it was thought he was suffering with an infection or appendicitis.

When his condition worsened, Noah was referred to Addenbrooke's.

Mr Beschorner-Barker, who plays in a band called The Art of Escaping, said: 'It was about a week after we noticed he was unwell. He started his first chemotheraphy course quite soon after.'

After just one session of the treatment, doctors told the family that Noah was in remission.

'It was great news,' the devoted dad said. 'But as with any cancer it has to be checked so it doesn't come back. We are hoping that when he finishes his fourth in a few weeks it will be the same message.'

Only able to visit his son at the weekends and with Noah having had just two trips home in three months, the separation has proved difficult.

'It's been very hard. We have a very close family and for Noah being apart from Zakk has been very hard', Mr Beschorner-Barker added.

'Particularly for Vicky - I see him at the hospital but she's there twenty-four seven so she sees all the horrible stuff.'

But he added that the youngster has managed to keep his spirits up.

'He is starting to get used to the chemo now. If he wasn't bald you wouldn't know he was ill because he's running around like a lunatic afterwards,' he said.

On June 7, Mr Beschorner-Barker will be encouraging fellow musicians to join 12 bands in a charity gig day at the B2 music venue on Sprowston Road in Norwich. The event, which will run from 1.15pm to 11pm, will raise funds to ease the strain on the family.

The drummer said that the support they had received was 'mind-blowing'.

'It restores your faith in humanity. A lot of people get jaded but this has really kind of opened my eyes to how good people are,' he added.

Tickets to the charity gig cost £7 in advance or £10 on the door.

For more information or for tickets visit the Noah's Journey Facebook page at www.facebook.com/noahbbjourney or the event page at www.facebook.com/events/224664764384642

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/7gggzw