Ipswich: The Treehouse praised in family tribute to Fin, 3

Fin Rodgers was just three when he was diagnosed with leukaemia and had gone into remission this summer.

In October, his family was told his cancer had returned and he passed away on October 19.

Fin, from Clacton, lived with his parents Scott and Becky, and six-year-old brother, Ollie. 

In a tribute to their little boy, Mr and Mrs Rodgers said: "Fin was such a special, loveable and happy-go-lucky little boy.

Fin with his family, dad Scott, mum Becky and brother Ollie (Image: EACH)

"He was cheeky and mischievous with a real sense of fun.

"He enjoyed making people laugh and you never knew what he was going to do next.

"He loved hiding things and sometimes if we couldn't find one of our shoes, we always knew who was responsible.

"Fin was never naughty though, he just had a glint in his eye and, thankfully, that never changed, even after his diagnosis.

Fin Rodgers (Image: EACH)

"He was such a caring boy, and despite being so young, he was always worried about other people."

The couple, both 34, say the "unbelievable" speed at which things happened was one of the hardest things to deal with.

Fin had pneumonia last summer, in addition to a bad sickness bug. He also had a terrible cold sore and a cut lip that refused to heal.

Then the couple noticed their son getting more and more tired over Christmas 2021.

Then, a week into 2022, things changed dramatically for the family.

Fin with his older brother Ollie (Image: EACH)

Mrs Rodgers said: "I took Fin to a party and it was that evening we knew something was badly wrong.

"I ran him a bath and noticed the most awful black and blue bruising on his spine.

"We rang 111 and everything happened so fast. We ended up in Colchester General Hospital that night and then rushed to Addenbrooke's two days later.

"Three days after the party, we were told it was Leukaemia."

Fin started to undergo intense courses of chemotherapy, an experience the family describe as "harrowing".

In May, they were told the treatment was working, and Fin was put into remission.

However, in late August, they rushed back to Addenbrooke's where they were told the Leukaemia was back.

Mrs Rodgers said: "We were told it was even more aggressive and unfortunately, relapse chemo didn't work.

"We were told it was terminal - a matter of days and possibly hours."

The family were given this news on October 7, with Fin passing away 12 days later on October 19.

Fin Rodgers (Image: EACH)

Before Fin had passed, the Rodgers family were referred to East Anglian Children's Hospice (EACH) and spent a day together at The Treehouse in Ipswich.

Becky said: "It felt so normal, a normality we hadn't experienced for such a long time.

"Scott, the boys and I were able to sit and eat dinner together, something we hadn't been able to do in hospital."

Scott said: "It was the most beautiful yet horrific week.

"We knew the end was coming but tried to find the strength to make the most of every day, thinking it might be the last.

"The nurses were amazing. They were so respectful and didn't put us under pressure to do anything. 

"They made the experience as bearable as possible.

"When the end finally came, they told us Fin was about to take his final breathes.

Fin Rodgers in hospital (Image: EACH)

"They left us alone to cuddle and hold him. I don't know how we'd have cp[ed without them. The alternative is unimaginable."

After Fin's passing, Becky and Scott took his body to The Treehouse, where they stayed for three days.

Becky said: "The nurses still talked to him, even after he'd passed.

"It showed how much they cared and they did such thoughtful, beautiful things, switching the twinkling star lights on and putting a teddy in bed with Fin.

"On one occasion they even put his favourite programme on telly.

"They were amazing and although we've been on the most horrific journey, we feel lucky and blessed that they were part of it."