Ashley McKenzie’s six-year-old son Jaxon died just eight months after being diagnosed with a rare brain stem tumour.
Mum, Ashley, Dad, David with Jaxon and his sister Ayda
A heartbroken mum whose six-year-old son died just eight months after being diagnosed with a brain stem tumour is set to take on a charity walk in his memory.
Ashley McKenzie’s little boy Jaxon was a healthy, happy youngster when he suddenly developed slurred speech and a limp over the course of a weekend last year.
Tests revealed the Broxburn boy had a rare and inoperable brain stem tumour, diffuse midline glioma, in April 2024.
Jaxon with his family(Image: Supplied)
Despite undergoing 13 gruelling sessions of radiotherapy, brave Jaxon lost his fight on December 14, just two weeks before his seventh birthday.
Determined to keep his memory alive, Ashley and husband David set up Jaxon’s Gift to help families facing the nightmare of a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Ashley, who works at Aldi’s Scottish head office in Bathgate, will join six of her Aldi Scotland colleagues on Sunday for the 11-mile Big Stroll at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise vital funds.
Little Jaxon(Image: Supplied)
Remembering the devastating moment doctors broke the news, Ashley said: “Everything happened so fast. One weekend Jaxon was running around like any other little boy, and the next we were told there was nothing they could do to cure him – only prolong his life as long as possible. Our world fell apart.”
During Jaxon’s illness, the family were supported by Young Lives vs Cancer, who provided a specialist car seat, financial advice, memory-making trips and even an iPad to help him through hospital visits.
Ashley added: “The help we received from Young Lives vs Cancer during Jaxon’s illness was incredible – from financial advice and equipment to memory-making trips.
Ashley with her colleagues(Image: Supplied)
“Setting up Jaxon’s Gift is our way of being part of that wider charity network and giving back.
“We couldn’t save Jaxon, but through Jaxon’s Gift we can make sure other families are supported in those weeks, months and even years of a childhood cancer diagnosis.
“If we can positively impact even one family, I’ll know Jaxon’s name lives on – and that’s what keeps me going.”
The heartbroken mum praised her colleagues, saying: “The support from everyone at Aldi has been incredible. From texts checking in, to getting involved in fundraising, they’ve been by my side every step of the way – and they’ll be by my side for the Kiltwalk.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the charity can do so here.