Tributes left to Jamie Covington after 'rare' cancer battle

Jamie Covington, from Godmanchester, died in November last year, nearly three years since he was first diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma.

The Hunts Post opened a Book of Condolence after his death was announced and a number of locals have left heartfelt tributes.

It comes after his mum, Sam Holson, paid tribute to her "incredibly brave" son and thanked local communities for their support.

More than £489,000 was raised for the 15-year-old to receive treatment overseas due to the "extremely limited" options for a cure in the UK.

The funding enabled Jamie, originally from Royston, to undergo specialist immunotherapy treatment at a clinic in Germany.

Jamie sadly died in November last year (Image: Supplied)

Speaking to The Hunts Post, his mum, Sam Holson, said “The support from communities in Godmanchester and Royston and outpouring of kindness from people we have never even met, has been incredible – we are eternally grateful.

"The fundraising allowed us to seek specialist treatment abroad in the hope of a cure and gave our family precious time with Jamie that we would not have otherwise had.

"We miss him immensely, every moment of every day. We miss his calm presence, his positivity, his beautiful face, his warm smile, and fun, infectious laugh," she added.

"He was such a gentle, kind soul who had a quiet happiness, peacefulness and sense of fun, that was felt by everyone who knew him and no doubt drew his friends to him.”

"He wasn't worried about following the crowd, he was just him and that was really what was beautiful about him," she continued.

"Jamie had extraordinary strength and resilience and was incredibly brave. His easy-going nature meant he took most things in his stride despite everything he was going through.

"I've never experienced anything like it."

Jamie was first diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in May 2023.

Sam Holson, second from left, is working to raise awareness of rhabdomyosarcoma (Image: Supplied)

Despite nine rounds of chemotherapy and 23 rounds of radiotherapy, he relapsed after just six months.

In a bid to keep Jamie's memory alive, Sam is working to raise awareness of the aggressive childhood cancer.

"I hope to help drive change - more research, kinder treatments, and better futures for other children and families. This will be his legacy.

"Unfortunately, everything seems to be about money. Frustratingly, the rarer cancers just don't get the funding behind them with childhood cancers receiving just a mere 3% of cancer funding. This must change.

"It's heartbreaking because when your child is faced with such a diagnosis there isn't the backing, support, research or treatment that there should be."

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