A SELFLESS football fan, who was forced to grow up fast to help care for his mother through aggressive cancer treatment, was given his childhood back when he was asked to join Swindon Town as its mascot.

Bailey Shewry was six years old when his mother Lisa was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, T Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, a few days before Christmas 2009.

Over the next four years, the young boy never complained or begrudged his parents being too busy to let him join a football team or drive him to games.

To show how much her secret weapon’s support meant to her on her journey to recovery, Lisa, nominated Bailey as well as her husband, Dave, for a Christmas Wish.

Last December, the Shewrys were treated to a tour of the County Ground stadium followed by a three-course meal. They also enjoyed VIP tickets to the game against Coventry City.

Bailey, now 11, had the opportunity to meet the players and kick the ball around with them before officially starting the match, which ended in a 2-1 win for Town.

Again this year, the Adver is urging readers to nominate a special person or group for the Christmas Wish Appeal 2014, which will run from December 11 to Christmas Eve.

This Is Wiltshire:

Bailey with mum and dad, Lisa and Dave

“Bailey was my little secret weapon because you have to dig deep to find the strength to fight something like that,” said the 42-year-old from Blunsdon, who has been in remission for a year.

“He never questioned why he was being taken to Oxford for my treatment. I had three years of chemotherapy and that was tough on all the family. He was very good and I’m so proud of him.

“That day was at the County Ground was incredible. It was turning point for all of us. It was something money couldn’t buy.

“He was overwhelmed when I told him I had won. On the day he enjoyed the moment. It was wonderful to see him so happy. It meant a lot to me. I could never have organised that.”

Bailey is now learning to be a young boy again and this started with signing up to his local football team, the Blunsdon Colts.

Bailey said: “The Christmas wish was the best experience of my life. I am so glad my mum put my dad and I forward for such a treat. We will never forget it. Memories made that will last a lifetime. Thank you Swindon Advertiser.”

  • To nominate a very deserving friend or relative simply tell us who they are, why they should win and how we can help. You can send in your nomination by email at mtompkins@swindonadvertiser.co.uk with details of who deserves a Christmas Wish, what the wish should be and why. Use the subject header ‘Christmas Wish 2014’. Please be sure to include your own telephone number and the number of the person you are nominating.