BRAVE Christopher Jones is paying back those who helped him battle cancer.
The 19-year-old was diagnosed with two forms of the disease just three days before his fifth birthday.
He underwent three years of gruelling chemotherapy and has now started his own charity, Caps on 4 Cancer, to help support the fundraising organisations who helped him fight back to health.
Proud mum Victoria, of Rossett, who works for Wrexham Council, said: “The illness was horrendous. He was diagnosed three days before his fifth birthday and it was devastating.
“It was difficult for the whole family, his dad Colin, brother Darran and sister Georgina. Christopher had three years of treatment and was ill for a long time.
“While undergoing chemotherapy, he found it difficult to walk and was very poorly throughout.”
During his treatment Christopher lost his hair three times and collected more than 100 hats and caps.
He has been nominated to be an Olympic flame carrier next year and is waiting to see if he has been chosen from the final nominees.
Former Darland High School pupil Christopher is now an electrical engineering apprentice at Kellogg's factory in Wrexham.
He said: “Hats play a vital role when you have no hair, they sometimes stop people staring and provide protection from the sun.
“The concept is to wear a cap or hat to school or work and make a small donation which goes direct to these charities.”
Victoria said: “Christopher is very quiet. He is lovely and takes everything in his stride. He excels at everything he does. We are so proud of him.
“We didn’t have a choice when he became ill. We had to get on with it. It was traumatic for everybody. We went through a lot with him. He is fine now and doing really well and has big plans for the future.”
Christopher, who has so far raised almost £6,000, was treated at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool and was recently awarded the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award which he received from Prince Philip at St James’s Palace.
Caps on 4 Cancer is hosting an Elf and Fairy run, jog or walk at Alyn Waters Country Park, Wrexham on Sunday from 10.30am.
Fancy dress is welcome and interested people should visit www.capson4cancer.co.uk for information.