Firefighters launch fundraiser to help family of Kelso toddler given months to live

A group of firefighters have launched a fundraiser to give a three-year-old boy as many “happy adventures as possible” after he was given months to live.

Jaxon Finn, from Kelso, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive Malignant Rhabdoid Tumour in April last year.

After going through an entire summer in ICU, 12 rounds of chemotherapy, seven weeks of proton beam therapy, and spending six months in remission, doctors say the toddler’s cancer has returned and spread to his lungs.

Jaxon has now been given months to live.

Despite his diagnosis, Jaxon’s family have said he is “full of life”, and “loves an adventure”, and they now want to fill whatever time he has left with love, laughter, and life.

Jaxon’s father, Steven, who is also a firefighter, told STV News: “The funding is going to make a huge difference to us, helps take the financial pressure that goes along with cancer and the journey people go on.

“Just dealing with a cancer diagnosis is hard enough, but the struggle financially is huge, through chemo last year and now this diagnosis.

“Jaxon is full of life and loves an adventure. We are currently in Callander, but his adventures are going to be short-lived.”

‘Devastating diagnosis’

A fundraiser has been launched by Steven’s colleagues in the hope of providing the toddler with as many happy adventures as possible.

The campaign has already raised over £14,000 of a £16,000 goal.

The crew at Kelso Fire Station are holding a charity car wash on August 2 and 3 from 9am to 3pm.

“At Kelso Fire Station, we stand shoulder to shoulder through every challenge—on the job and beyond”, a spokesperson for the station said.

“Today, we’re rallying behind one of our own, a dedicated firefighter whose young son is facing a devastating diagnosis.

“This is a call to our local community and wider emergency services family. We know the strength of our bond, the power of unity, and the difference we can make when we come together.

“Please join us in supporting this family through the unimaginable. Your donation, no matter the size, is a gesture of solidarity and will help them make lasting memories with the time they have left together.”

To join the register, or to donate, click here.