A LICKEY End resident has been inspired by his son’s bravery to participate in a fund-raising challenge.

Daniel Nesbitt Rowand was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia just before he was due to start school at Lickey Hills Primary School, in Old Birmingham Road, last autumn.

The five-year-old is being cared for by Birmingham Children’s and Worcester Royal hospitals and is now on a chemotherapy treatment programme, which is set to last three years.

His dad, Doug Rowand, decided he wanted to do something to thank those who have helped Daniel, and to support other families of leukaemia patients in the future. 

The 42-year-old signed up to take part in the Paris to London Centenary ride, which is being held from July 21.

He will be raising money for Clic Sargent, which helps to make life easier for children suffering from the disease.

Doug said: “We have explained to Dan that his blood is poorly and he needs chemotherapy to make it better.

“50-years-ago, Dan would probably have not survived and now he has a 97 per cent chance of survival.

“We are powerless to change the fact Daniel has leukaemia, but we are trying to turn a negative into a positive and ensure we give him a happy and optimistic outlook for the future.”

Dan added they had been overwhelmed by support from friends and family, and from the Clic Sargent charity.

To make a donation to Doug’s charity ride visit his fund-raising website, justgiving.com/dougrowand.