The parents of Sam Bradley have expressed their delight and relief at the news that the Fermanagh toddler is in remission.

Sam, whose father Colm played for the Erne County in the 2004 All-Ireland football semi-final, was diagnosed with high-risk Neuroblastoma in January of last year. Since then, he has undergone severe treatments, including: having a central line inserted in his chest; 36 doses of chemotherapy; 14 sessions of radiotherapy; seven hours of surgery to remove a kidney and adrenal gland; two tumour biopsies; one stem cell transplant; blood and platelet transfusions; blood pressure medications; immunotherapy drugs; and morphine drivers for pain.

A number of fundraisers were undertaken by the GAA community to help with Sam's treatment, including a SF challenge between Fermanagh and Mayo in Brewster Park last year.

"It was a fantastic surprise," Sam's mother Michelle told the Impartial Reporter after being informed that the two-year-old is in remission.

"Oncologists do not tell you something if they are not 100 per cent sure. They won't give you any false hope. The only time I experienced anything like it was the day both boys were born. It was similar to the complete joy and the high you experience when your baby is born, it was one of the happiest days of my life."

She added: "Sam has got into the hearts of many people. The support he received throughout - it's not just the fundraising, it's the cards, the presents sent to the Royal Hospital, it's the relics sent from people all around Ireland and Northern Ireland - that made the gloomiest days a little bit brighter.

"It's lovely to think that Sam has touched people and that they've taken to him. Naturally it's so good to share the good news with them and to give something really positive back."

Michelle stressed, though, that it will be another five years before Sam receives the all-clear. Tweet

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