Staff at a nursery in Glasgow are taking on the race for life in memory of a beloved pupil who sadly died aged just 10-years-old.
Jamal Aslam's family started to notice the youngster's face change in December 2022. The boy visited his GP and was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, which is temporary weakness or lack of movement that affects one side of the face.
One month later, he started to complain of a pain in the left side of his neck and ear. At the hospital, the family were given the devastating news that a mass was found. A subsequent biopsy revealed that Jamal was battling stage four rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of soft tissue cancer.
Jamal complained of a pain his legs one day at school and within hours he was unable to walk. He was rushed to hospital where the family were told that the cancer had spread to his bones, causing spinal cord compression. Tragically, just one day after he was admitted to hospital he sadly lost his life.
The 10-year-old was a pupil at the Pollokshields Early Years Centre before he left for primary school
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Child Development Officer, Mandy Mclean said: "He was here in the baby room and left when he was five. Then he would come back with his parents because his siblings were here.
"We have a such a good relationship with the parents. It is devastating because we have watched him grow up.
"When you get the news that you won't see him again it is heartbreaking. We still saw the parents and the sisters which is nice.
"The fact we won't see his face again is difficult."
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Jamal's 'caring' personality had a significant impact on the lives of the nursery team.
Mandy added: "He was a lovely wee boy. Jamal was cheeky and always smiling. He loved playing with his friends.
"He was very caring as well. Jamal's parents are deaf so he would translate for them. So when his parents came in he would help out."
Now the team at the Pollokshields Early Years Centre are preparing to take on the race for life at Glasgow Green on May 19, in memory of the 'cheeky' 10-year-old, with the aim of raising money for Cancer Research UK.
Mandy believes Jamal's memory will push the group forward every step of the way.
She said: "It is so important to keep Jamal's memory alive.
"We want to raise money to try find a cure. A lot of staff wanted to take part in memory of him.
"The community have been so helpful and donating. We've been preparing for the race for life and it is made easier knowing that we are doing it for Jamal.
"Jamal's dad and sisters are going to meet us at the finish line which will be quite emotional."
To donate to the staff fundraiser click here
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